RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VAPBA) — the largest police representative organization in Virginia — today announced its endorsement of Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.

VAPBA cited Spanberger’s strong, bipartisan record of supporting law enforcement and demonstrated commitment to working with communities and law enforcement to keep the Commonwealth safe. Spanberger sat down with VAPBA representatives last week to discuss the issues that matter most for Virginia public safety. In 2021, Winsome Earle-Sears received VAPBA’s endorsement to serve as Lieutenant Governor.

“Abigail Spanberger grew up in a law enforcement family and is a former federal law enforcement officer herself, so she understands the responsibility of putting on the badge. As a Member of Congress, she repeatedly voted to increase funding for local police departments and sheriff’s offices — and she was relentless in pushing her bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act across the finish line to secure the earned benefits of thousands of Virginia’s retired police officers. Abigail has a deep, expert-level knowledge of the unique challenges facing Virginia’s law enforcement officers, and she is a leader who shares our goal of building trust across our communities and working towards a safer, stronger Commonwealth. The VAPBA Board of Directors is proud to publicly endorse Abigail Spanberger for Governor of Virginia,” said Joe Woloszyn, Virginia Police Benevolent Association President.

“I’m honored to earn the Virginia Police Benevolent Association’s endorsement to serve as the next Governor of Virginia,” said Spanberger. “Virginians deserve a Governor who recognizes the tremendous sacrifice that comes with swearing an oath to protect and serve our neighbors. As Governor, I will always make sure our brave men and women in blue have the tools, resources, and training they need to do their jobs and keep us safe. I look forward to working directly with VAPBA and the communities they serve as Governor to have the backs of our fellow Virginians who go to work each day to put others first.”

BACKGROUND

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association is the largest police representative organization in Virginia and represents nearly 11,000 law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth, including deputy sheriffs. VAPBA is a division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc., a non-profit professional organization dedicated to improving the law enforcement profession. PBA members are full-time or retired employees of the various federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies in Virginia.