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Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger
Spanberger splits the middle on right-to-work, opposes full repeal
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger said she opposes a full repeal of Virginia’s right-to-work law, though she’s open to reforms.
In an interview with WRIC’s Tyler Englander, Spanberger said she supports making changes to the decades-old statute but would not sign legislation that eliminates it entirely.
“I support labor. I support our strong Virginia economy, but no, I don't support a full repeal of our current right-to-work statute,” Spanberger said. “Certainly, it's an old statute. We've seen reforms and adjustments to it over the years. And recognizing that as Virginia, and our economy moves forward, reforms may be necessary into the future, but no, not a full repeal.”
Virginia’s right-to-work law bars labor unions from requiring workers to join as a condition of employment.
Spanberger’s Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, has made defending the law a central part of her platform.
“Our right-to-work law is a cornerstone of our success: It drives economic competitiveness, attracts job creators, and bolsters an environment where investments flourish, companies thrive, and workers have the freedom to choose their own path,” Earle-Sears wrote in an op-ed with Virginia Scope earlier this year.
The Earle-Sears campaign pushed back on Spanberger’s remarks Thursday, pointing to the congresswoman’s past support for legislation that would have expanded protections for organized labor nationwide.
“One of Abigail Spanberger’s final acts in Congress was co-sponsoring a bill to repeal right-to-work laws in all 50 states. Now she’s hiding that record and hoping Virginians won’t notice,” said Peyton Vogel, a spokeswoman for Earle-Sears. “While Winsome Earle-Sears is fighting to protect jobs and keep Virginia competitive, Spanberger is just not saying the quiet part out loud: If she tried to kill right-to-work in Washington, you can bet she’ll do it in Virginia the first chance she gets.”
Doris Crouse-Mays from the Virginia AFL-CIO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Right-to-work has long posed a challenge for Democratic candidates in Virginia. Progressive Democrats have called for repealing the law, while moderates often avoid taking a firm stance to maintain support from business-friendly voters.
2021 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Terry McAuliffe often avoided directly answering the question.
During his first term, which ended in 2018, he supported keeping the law on the books.
Facing a large field during the Democratic primary in 2021, candidates tried to gain ground on McAuliffe, who was the favorite and eventually won the nomination to run for governor again, by attacking him from the left.
He did not release a public stance on the issue, but a video surfaced of him saying he would sign the repeal if it reached his desk.
“If it came to my desk, sure I’d sign it,” McAuliffe said, noting the General Assembly would likely oppose the repeal. “But listen, you can’t get it through the House and Senate.”
Del. Lee Carter, D-Manassas, introduced legislation in 2021 to repeal right-to-work, but it was defeated 83-13 on the House floor.
Ralph Northam faced a similar problem during the 2017 primary when his opponent Tom Perriello supported repealing the law.
During a debate at the time, Northam said he would rather focus on issues that seem more achievable.
“I think rather than pick fights that we perhaps can’t win right now, we need to talk about how we can help labor,” Northam said.
Spanberger has been lucky to avoid the conversation after facing no Democratic primary challenge.
All of the Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor this year came out in support of a full repeal, as they face off in a six-way primary.
Even if elected, Spanberger may not face a vote on repealing the law. Democrats hold narrow majorities in both chambers, but many moderates remain opposed to full repeal.
“I think notably–it's important that this last General Assembly, no one even submitted a bill that would repeal the right to work,” Spanberger said to WRIC.
With progressive demands and Republican attacks already in full swing, Spanberger’s stance underscores the delicate balancing act Democrats still face in a state where labor rights and pro-business politics frequently collide.
Don’t kid yourself: Spanberger will sign whatever pro-union law that the Democrats will pass; Virginia will be like Maryland very shortly.