See below for video and a transcript of Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07)’s farewell speech to the U.S. House. Spanberger, who was first elected in November 2017, is stepping down to run for governor of Virginia in 2025. She’ll be replaced by fellow Democrat Eugene Vindman, who won the election on November 5 over Republican Derrick Anderson.
“I rise today to thank the people of Virginia’s Seventh District. The greatest honor of my life has been to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives.
For these three terms, I’ve had the privilege of representing a cross-section of what makes this extraordinary country, the United States of America, the greatest in the world.
I’ve spoken with hard-working families going through their proudest days or their darkest moments.
I’ve met brilliant entrepreneurs who are not only pursuing their own dreams — but making sure their employees can succeed.
I’ve worked alongside dedicated public servants — law enforcement officers, first responders, and healthcare workers — who put the safety of Virginians first.
I’ve met crop and livestock producers who work sunup to sundown to keep America fueled and fed.
And I’ve represented the men and women who put on the military uniform to protect our shores.
And as my time serving them in Congress comes to an end, I’m reflecting on what we have achieved together.
When I was first elected to Congress, I promised to work tirelessly for the people I serve. I promised to be effective and responsive.
In response to Virginia seniors struggling to afford their medication, I voted to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.
In response to the fentanyl crisis, I worked with both parties to strengthen America’s investment in prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. And both former President Trump and President Biden have signed into law the bills that I have led to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.
And to fix our crumbling infrastructure, I helped negotiate and voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law — which has already delivered more than $10 billion dollars of investment to Virginia.
In response to threats from America’s adversaries, I led efforts that were signed into law to build a nationwide 5G strategy and hold cybercriminals accountable. And I made clear that I will always stand up for the role of U.S. global leadership.
In response to the threat of climate change, I brought farmers, producers, conservation groups, and Fortune 500 companies to the table. We got bipartisan legislation signed into law that will not only help protect our natural resources — but will help protect the bottom lines of Virginia producers.
After we heard from retired police officers struggling to get their benefits, we closed the loophole that was stopping them from getting the retirement that they deserved.
And for those who’ve borne the battle, I voted to expand healthcare benefits for thousands of Virginia’s Veterans who have faced toxic exposures. My bill was signed into law to deliver surplus computers to Veterans — so they can access new job opportunities. And I led the charge to make sure America’s Atomic Veterans — many of whom are no longer with us — are recognized every year.
For me, being responsive has also meant making responsible investments in our public schools, our law enforcement, and critical infrastructure projects.
My office secured more than $42 million dollars that went directly to 40 projects across the Seventh District — and I want to thank our local leaders for working with my team to realize these investments.
But we’ve also focused on delivering for individual constituents.
Since 2019, my office has returned nearly $50 million dollars to Virginians who’ve had challenges with a federal agency.
They are seniors who needed help paying the bills. They are Veterans who finally secured the VA benefits they earned. They are Virginia businesses who needed to cut through red tape.
And along the way, we have proved that we could do all of this by bringing people together. I’m honored to be ranked as the most bipartisan Member of Congress from Virginia. It’s not a talking point, but because that’s how we make sure we achieve progress across the long haul. That’s how we get things done. And we can get things done without sacrificing our principles or what makes us who we are.
In office, I have endeavored to be responsive, transparent, and accountable — because that’s at the very heart of what I believe is the responsibility of every Member of Congress. And in this role, I believe that trust is earned — and I promise that I’ve never taken this trust for granted.
Today, I also want to thank those who have made it possible for me to serve in this role.
I want to thank the love of my life — my husband Adam — for being my biggest supporter and someone who has made it possible for me to serve the people of Virginia’s Seventh District every day.
I want to thank my daughters — Claire, Charlotte, and Catherine — for seeing that every effort I make in the political space is with them, their future, and the future of their peers — in Virginia and beyond — at the center of all I do.
I want to thank my parents. I’m the daughter of Martin Davis, a retired law enforcement officer, and Eileen Davis, a nurse.
They taught me service, and they taught me that a life committed to helping others is one that every person can find value and dignity in.
I want to thank my sisters, Hillary and Meredith, who are — and always have been — my best friends, my greatest supporters, and the two who remind me consistently who I am.
I want to thank my parents-in-law, my brothers-and-sisters in-law, my nieces, my nephews, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins, my late grandparents, and everyone who had a part in making me who I am.
And I also want to thank every single member of the Virginia’s Seventh District team. They are extraordinary people who have used their time, talents, and tenacity to deliver results for the people of Virginia. I believe in them. You made people believe in what is possible with good governance.
I’m grateful for you, I’m grateful for your service, and I’m so grateful for the privilege of serving the people of Virginia’s Seventh District.”
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