Spanberger, Earle-Sears Clash Over Rhetoric and Policy in Virginia’s Only Gubernatorial Debate

In the sole debate of Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial race, Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears traded sharp attacks over violent rhetoric, abortion, tax policy and LGBTQ+ rights — with the controversy over former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and Democratic attorney-general nominee Jay Jones dominating much of the evening.

From the opening moments, the debate centered on explosive 2022 text messages sent by Jay Jones, in which he reportedly suggested that Gilbert “deserved two bullets to the head.” The fallout has rippled across the campaign, with Republicans demanding that Spanberger withdraw her endorsement for Jones

At last Thursday’s debate, Earle-Sears pressed her opponent hard, questioning Spanberger’s backing of Jones.

“Abigail, when are you going to take Jay Jones and say to him, ‘You must leave the race?’” Earle-Sears said.

Spanberger responded by denouncing the language but declined to say whether she would definitively rescind her support.

“The comments that Jay Jones made are absolutely abhorrent,” she said. “I denounced them when I learned of them, and I will denounce them every opportunity I get as a mother, as a public servant, as a candidate for governor.”

“It is up to voters to make an individual choice based on this information,” she added.

Earle-Sears, meanwhile, accused her opponent of lacking moral clarity.

“Jay Jones advocated the murder of a man, a former speaker, as well as his children,” said Earle-Sears. “I’m asking my opponent to please ask Jay Jones to get out of the race.”

At times, Earle-Sears spoke over both Spanberger and moderators, forcing repeated interventions.

Beyond the Jones controversy, the debate unfolded into broader ideological battlegrounds.

On LGBTQ+ rights, Spanberger and Earle-Sears squared off sharply. Spanberger called out her opponent’s previous statements.

“My opponent was asked about her record of discrimination…She has said that she was ‘morally opposed’ to same-sex marriage. My opponent has also previously said that she thinks it’s okay for someone to be fired from their job for being gay. That is discrimination,” Spanberger declared.

In turn, Earle-Sears repeatedly interjected to her opponent, claiming, “That’s not discrimination.”

The exchanges forced the moderators to push her to yield the floor.

On abortion, Earle-Sears touted a 15-week limit, positioning Spanberger as extreme.

“It’s not going to be my view,” Earle-Sears said sternly. “My opponent, on the other hand, has the extremist view, which is abortion up until the very hour that the baby could be born.”

Spanberger defended her pro-choice stance and her support for the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which was overturned in 2022 by the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling.

“When the Dobbs decision was made, it was very quickly clear that state after state would move to restrict abortion access…I support the constitutional amendment codifying the Roe v. Wade standard,” Spanberger said.

On taxes, both pledged to eliminate Virginia’s automobile tax, but differed in approach. 

“We had the money. We can do it,” Earle-Sears insisted.

Spanberger responded more cautiously, saying, “It requires significant cooperation and planning.”

Observers noted a stark contrast between Earle-Sears’ aggressive style and Spanberger’s composed restraint. While Earle-Sears repeatedly interrupted Spanberger, Spanberger mostly stayed on script and avoided confrontation.

Political analysts suggested Spanberger’s approach resonated with moderate and independent voters, especially after a night dominated by personal attacks.

One key takeaway was that although Earle-Sears tried to frame the Jones controversy as a line she expected Spanberger to cross, Spanberger’s refusal to be drawn into a definitive denouncement may satisfy neither side and leaves undecided voters wondering where she truly stands.

With early voting already underway and Election Day looming on Nov. 4, the impact of this debate may be more symbolic than transformational,  a crucial moment in a campaign now defined by temperament as much as policy.

To watch the full gubernatorial debate, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30MQ1llUPSE