This story first appeared in Dogwood
Abigail Spanberger’s aspirations to become Virginia’s next governor are intertwined with her cherished role as a mother. As she campaigns for the gubernatorial seat, her family, particularly her three daughters, plays a pivotal role in her political journey.
Spanberger, alongside her husband Adam, is raising three daughters, Catherine, Charlotte, and Claire, who are all supportive of her political endeavors. The Democratic candidate’s commitment to improving the lives of Virginia families aligns closely with her personal experiences as a mother.
When contemplating her decision to run for governor, Spanberger had meaningful discussions with her daughters to ensure they were comfortable with the potential changes. Speaking to Dogwood, she shared a conversation with her eldest daughter, who expressed her belief in the need for a governor who prioritizes education and cares for children. Her daughter remarked, “I think you would be a very good governor.”
Claire, the eldest, pointed out that as a congresswoman, her mother was already recognized in public, humorously noting, “It just means that there are more Targets where you might get recognized.” Spanberger values her daughter’s perspective, acknowledging the unique experiences her political career brings to their family life.
Balancing Family and Politics
Despite the demands of the campaign trail, Spanberger’s daughters have been supportive, viewing the journey as an intriguing adventure. Their involvement in her congressional campaigns has made politics a familiar terrain for them. Spanberger first entered the political arena in 2018, challenging Tea Party Republican Dave Brat. Her campaign focused on protecting the Affordable Care Act amidst Republican efforts to dismantle it.
Her victory over Brat marked a historic moment, as she became the first woman to represent Virginia’s 7th District. Throughout her political career, Spanberger has balanced her roles as a mother and a politician, often accompanied by her daughters during campaign events. A memorable moment was captured when her younger daughter, Catherine, charmed the crowd by joining her mother on stage during a victory speech.
Spanberger emphasizes the importance of family time, describing it as “sacred.” She credits her husband, Adam, for being a supportive partner who eases the pressures of political life. Whether it’s enjoying a family game night or indulging in her favorite peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, Spanberger finds ways to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children, despite their public lives.
Shaping Policies through Parenthood
Spanberger’s experiences as a mother significantly influence her policy priorities. She advocates for enhancing Virginia’s public schools, addressing gun violence, and safeguarding reproductive rights. Her encounters with students, like a seventh grader concerned about lockdown drills, underscore her commitment to creating safer environments for children.
She supports implementing waiting periods for firearm purchases and limiting assault weapon magazine capacities. Spanberger also stresses the need for hiring more teachers to address Virginia’s teacher shortage and improve educational outcomes. Her dedication to reproductive freedom is strengthened by her desire to ensure equal opportunities for young women and girls, as reflected in her social media post on International Women’s Day.
As Spanberger continues her campaign, her vision for a better Virginia is rooted in her personal experiences and the aspirations she holds for her daughters and all families in the state.
