Spanberger, Earle-Sears outline economic visions ahead of election

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With less than three weeks until the election, Virginia gubernatorial nominees Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears presented their economic plans at the 2025 Virginia Education and Workforce Conference.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, both candidates spoke at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger detailed her strategy to return Virginia to the top spot as the best state for business. Her plan includes incentivizing employers to offer childcare assistance, connecting students with hands-on career opportunities and supporting workers who lost jobs due to President Donald Trump's policies.

“I will direct the full power of the office to support displaced Virginians,” Spanberger said. “That includes fighting for legal protections for fire, federal workers and contractors, directing the Board of Workforce Development to identify adjacent job opportunities based on transferable skills, and expanding career mentoring.”

Spanberger reaffirmed her stance against repealing Virginia’s “Right to Work” law, but said there are other ways to support workers.

“Establishing statewide paid and family medical leave, increasing the supply of affordable housing and childcare, and raising the minimum wage,” she said.

Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears challenged Spanberger’s labor record, noting her support from unions.

“She has received more than $1.4 million from labor unions, which raises serious questions in my mind. I have gotten zero from labor unions,” Earle-Sears said.

Earle-Sears highlighted her record alongside Governor Glenn Youngkin, citing 265,000 new jobs, $9 billion in tax relief and support for higher education partnerships.

She also emphasized the importance of preparing Virginia for technological advancements.

“Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping every technology — for health care, logistics, and manufacturing giants,” Earle-Sears said. “The question is, will Virginia be ready? The answer is yes.”

The winner of November’s election is expected to return for Virginia’s Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade on Dec. 5.