Politics & Government
Wed, August 13, 2025
[ Wed, Aug 13th ]: The 74
Can Abigail Spanberger Resetthe Politicsof Public Educationin Virginia
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Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 14:53 GMT by The 74🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
This story was originally reported by Mel Leonor Barclay of The 19th. During a recent campaign stop in central Virginia on a sweltering afternoon, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger drew the most energized reaction from the crowd after telling the audience that aside from tackling the high cost of living, her focus as governor would be [ ]
Spanberger's entry into politics was anything but traditional. A former federal law enforcement officer and CIA operative, she spent years overseas recruiting spies and gathering intelligence in high-stakes environments. This background, she says, instilled in her a no-nonsense approach to problem-solving, one that prioritizes facts over ideology. "I didn't come to Congress to play games," Spanberger often emphasizes, drawing from her experiences in counterterrorism and narcotics interdiction. Her decision to run for office in 2018 stemmed from a sense of urgency following the 2016 election and the Charlottesville white supremacist rally in her home state. Flipping a Republican-held seat in a district that includes suburban Richmond and rural areas, she became part of the "national security Democrats" wave, a group of moderates with intelligence and military backgrounds who helped Democrats retake the House.
At the heart of Spanberger's philosophy is a call for a "reset" in how politics functions. She critiques the hyper-partisan atmosphere in Washington, where, in her view, too many lawmakers prioritize cable news appearances and social media outrage over legislative progress. "Politics has become performative," she argues, pointing to instances where colleagues on both sides engage in grandstanding rather than governance. Spanberger positions herself as a bridge-builder, someone willing to work across the aisle on issues like infrastructure, healthcare affordability, and supply chain security. Her role in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus underscores this; she has co-sponsored bills with Republicans on topics ranging from veteran benefits to agricultural reforms, earning her a reputation as a dealmaker.
One pivotal moment in her congressional tenure was her outspoken criticism of her own party's leadership following the 2020 elections. In a leaked conference call, Spanberger lambasted Democratic strategies, warning against "defund the police" rhetoric that she believed alienated moderate voters in swing districts like hers. "We will get f---ing torn apart in 2022," she reportedly said, a prediction that partially came true with Republican gains. This bluntness, while controversial within Democratic circles, solidified her image as a straight-talker unafraid to challenge the status quo. Supporters see it as authenticity; critics within the progressive wing view it as capitulation to conservatism. Yet Spanberger defends her stance, arguing that effective governance requires appealing to a broad electorate, not just the base. "If we're not listening to the people who elected us, we're failing," she insists.
Looking ahead to her potential gubernatorial bid, Spanberger envisions applying this reset to Virginia's statehouse. Virginia, with its mix of urban tech hubs like Northern Virginia, rural farmlands, and military installations, mirrors the national divides. She plans to focus on economic development, education, and public safety—issues she believes transcend party lines. Drawing from her CIA days, she stresses the importance of "human intelligence" in politics: understanding constituents' real concerns through town halls and direct engagement, rather than relying on polls or echo chambers. Spanberger recounts stories from her district, like farmers struggling with trade policies or parents worried about school funding, as examples of why policy must be grounded in lived experiences.
Her personal life adds layers to her public persona. A mother of three daughters, Spanberger often speaks about balancing family with her demanding career, a narrative that resonates with working women. She shares anecdotes from her time in Europe as a CIA officer, where she navigated cultural barriers and built alliances in hostile environments—skills she now applies to congressional negotiations. This background also informs her foreign policy views; she's a vocal advocate for robust U.S. alliances, criticizing isolationist tendencies in both parties. On domestic fronts, she's pushed for measures to combat the opioid crisis, inspired by her law enforcement days, and has championed broadband expansion in rural areas to bridge the digital divide.
Critics, however, question whether Spanberger's centrism is a viable path forward in a polarized America. Progressives argue she dilutes bold reforms on climate change and inequality, while some Republicans dismiss her as a Democrat in moderate clothing. Yet her electoral success—winning reelection in 2020 and 2022 in a district that leans red—suggests her approach has appeal. In interviews, Spanberger dismisses labels, saying, "I'm not interested in being the most liberal or the most conservative; I'm interested in being the most effective."
As she contemplates higher office, Spanberger's reset extends to public service itself. She calls for more "normal people" to enter politics—teachers, doctors, and business owners—rather than career politicians. She advocates for campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of big money and term limits to prevent entrenchment. "Public service should be about serving the public, not building empires," she says. Her vision includes fostering civility in discourse, inspired by her intelligence work where building trust was key to success. In an era of misinformation and division, Spanberger posits that resetting politics means rediscovering shared values: opportunity, security, and community.
Spanberger's story is one of transformation—from covert operative to public advocate. Her supporters see her as a fresh voice for pragmatism, potentially positioning her as a model for Democrats in purple states. Whether she succeeds in her gubernatorial ambitions remains to be seen, but her emphasis on resetting the political narrative challenges the status quo, urging a return to governance over gridlock. In her words, "We can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can solve problems if we stop shouting and start listening." This philosophy, rooted in her unique experiences, could influence not just Virginia but the broader American political landscape, offering a blueprint for moderation in turbulent times.
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