Spanberger: “As the Next Governor of Virginia, I Will Make It a Top Priority of My Administration to Make Sure Virginia is the Best Place in the Country to Start or Grow a Business”

CNBC: “Virginia Drops in America’s Top States for Business Rankings. Federal Job Cuts Are a Big Reason”

RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after Virginia fell from #1 to #4 on CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings, due in part to a drop in the state’s “Economy” ranking and federal job cuts “disproportionately” affecting Virginia’s economy.

“Every day, I’m hearing from Virginians about their top priorities — including creating new jobs, lowering costs, and growing our economy. These Virginians — including business leaders — are also worried about the uncertainty caused by the chaos coming from Washington and the damage done to Virginia’s economy. Today’s rankings make clear that Virginia needs a Governor who will build a more resilient economy, leverage our Commonwealth’s strengths to attract new investment, prepare our workforce for 21st-century jobs, and stand up for our workers and small businesses in the face of ongoing threats.

“As the next Governor of Virginia, I will make it a top priority of my administration to make sure Virginia is the best place in the country to start or grow a business, and I will put a plan in place on day one that is clear-eyed about the challenges and opportunities ahead. Not only will we champion economic development in every corner of Virginia, but we will focus on strengthening the factors that bring new businesses to Virginia and keep them here — including our world-class schools and higher education institutions, our infrastructure, and our highly-skilled workforce.

“Unlike my opponent in this race, I won’t dismiss threats to our workforce, our economy, and Virginia’s reputation. As Governor, I will always stand up to reckless policies that hurt our ability to attract new investments and retain our talent. And I will make sure businesses looking to come to Virginia know — without a doubt — that they have a reliable, productive, and steady partner in the Governor’s office come January 2026.”

BACKGROUND

“America’s Top States for Business” ranks states based on the factors that grow and attract business, such as a state’s workforce, economy, infrastructure, education system, quality of life, tech and innovation, cost of living, and the certainty of the business landscape.

CNBC ranked Virginia as the “Top State for Business” in 2019 and 2021 under former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam — after the Commonwealth had not been ranked number one since 2011. The news organization did not release rankings in 2020.

In the U.S. House, Spanberger built a record of working with both Democrats and Republicans to invest in Virginia’s physical infrastructure, reduce burdensome regulations, and equip the next generation of workers with the tools they need to succeed.

Spanberger was consistently recognized for her leadership in supporting Virginia businesses and workers and supporting policies that advanced economic growth, helped create jobs, and cut red tape.

In 2020 and 2022, Spanberger was endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for her support and advocacy for Virginia’s business community in the U.S. House — including for her role in moving the bipartisan infrastructure law over the finish line. And in June 2020, she received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever “Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship” for her commitment to finding common ground on issues facing Virginia’s small businesses community and overall economy.