Affordability, Trump set to dominate Spanberger’s response to the State of the Union

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said she’s excited to have the opportunity to respond to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.

“Certainly, I’ll be talking about what I hear so frequently from families across Virginia,” Spanberger told reporters on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Spanberger’s office said her speech from Colonial Williamsburg will focus on lowering the costs of housing, healthcare and groceries.

Spanberger is also expected to touch on how Trump is contributing to “chaos” at home and abroad.

“I know that so much of what I hear from Virginians is similar to what my counterparts in states across the country are hearing about the challenges that people are facing, particularly as it relates to issues of affordability,” Spanberger said.

As for how Virginia Republicans view Spanberger’s speech, State Senator Glen Sturtevant (R-Colonial Heights) said Spanberger has an opportunity to find common ground with President Trump to benefit Virginia.

Sturtevant added that if Spanberger goes after Trump, Virginia could pay the price.

“If there is that antagonistic relationship between Governor Spanberger and the White House, that's ultimately not a good thing for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Sturtevant told 8News.

However, Spanberger said she won’t be afraid to hold President Trump accountable.

“I don't think he's potentially wrong, but I will not be afraid, and I would hope that the people of Virginia are not afraid of a president who would punish the people of Virginia because their governor disagrees with the president,” Spanberger said.