RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today responded to a new analysis showing Virginia’s rate of economic growth slowing to its lowest point since 2021 and projecting that Virginia’s unemployment rate will next year reach its highest point since 2020.
A new report from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center attributes this weak outlook to “the Commonwealth’s exposure to recent economic policies, namely its close ties to the federal government.” Specifically, the report projects that Virginia’s unemployment rate will reach 4.1% by the end of 2025 — and reach 5.0% in mid-2026, the highest level since 2020.
“While reckless policies in Washington are stifling Virginia’s job market and threatening our long-term economic strength, Governor Youngkin and Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears have backed this chaos every step of the way,” said Spanberger. “My opponent has cheered on these cuts, minimized these job losses, and brushed off the uncertainty facing Virginians that’s clearly reflected in this new report.
Spanberger continued, “Unlike my opponent, I will never casually dismiss threats to Virginia families and Virginia’s economy. As the Commonwealth’s next Governor, I am focused on growing business investment across our communities, building a more resilient economy, and making life more affordable for Virginia families. I will never be afraid to stand up for Virginians — no matter who is in the White House.”
Click here to read the full report from UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center.
BACKGROUND
In July, Spanberger announced her Growing Virginia Plan focused on protecting Virginia jobs and growing Virginia’s economy — including by creating job opportunities for Virginians through workforce training programs, increasing business investment in Virginia, and expanding trade opportunities for Virginia businesses and producers.
Spanberger has made clear that leaders should be focused on lowering costs, making it more affordable to live, and strengthening Virginia schools — not killing Virginia jobs and damaging Virginia’s economy.
On Saturday, Spanberger called on President Trump “to stop attacking Virginia’s workforce, to focus on bringing people together, and to put an end to this government shutdown” as Virginians already face the consequences of DOGE cuts, tariffs, and threats to healthcare coverage.
As President Trump is escalating his attacks on Virginia jobs, Winsome Earle-Sears — Virginia’s sitting Lieutenant Governor — continues to fail to stand up for Virginia’s families, workforce, and economy.
Last week — during the statewide gubernatorial debate at Norfolk State University, Winsome Earle-Sears outright refused to call on President Trump to stop this chaos when asked directly by the moderators. That refusal comes after Earle-Sears said DOGE cuts and attacks on Virginia’s economy were not a “real issue” in a CNN interview earlier this year.
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