By Shane Fordham

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, who is running to serve as the next governor of Virginia, hosted a veterans-focused meet-and-greet in Virginia Beach Saturday afternoon. The event was the last stop on her tour of Virginia Beach, where she met with multiple small businesses. 

At the event at Young Veterans Brewing Company on Horse Pasture Road, Virginians were able to speak to and hear from the Democratic congresswoman about the challenges faced by veterans and military families in Virginia. Spanberger spoke to attendees about her commitment to Virginia’s veterans in making sure they receive rightfully earned care and benefits through their service. 

“Our state is doing so much to support our veteran community and try to ensure that when folks get out of the military they perhaps chose to stay here in Virginia, but there is more that we can do to continue ensuring that those who get out of the military and are looking to start a business or chose a place to relocate or settle that Virginia is the best place for them,” said Spanberger.

On Saturday, President Trump signed an executive order to issue steep tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada and their respective exports. Spanberger says this order will hurt Virginians specifically. 

“This plan is a tax on Virginians. The economic impact will be dire. This will hurt consumers across the Commonwealth. It will hurt farmers, it will hurt small business owners. It is reckless, dangerous, bad policy,” said Spanberger. 

Her event comes a couple of days after Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to become the Republican candidate in the gubernatorial race, hosted an event to combat human trafficking. Earle-Sears spoke to trafficking survivors and law enforcement officials on their commitment to protect Virginians. She posted on X that she and Governor Youngkin “will not waver in [their] commitment to ensure a future where no child, woman, or man falls victim to these heinous crimes.” 

“With your support, we can secure a future of Virginia and make sure that the values that we cherish remain strong,” said Earle-Sears. 

The latest report from the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University indicates a tight race between the two opponents. In January, Research Director Dr. Rebecca Bromley-Trujilo told 13News Now that only time will tell. 

“I’d say right now this is anyone’s game. We’re going to have to see, I mean, we’ve got 10 months. Whatever happens with Trump I think will be a huge factor in this governor’s race,” said Dr. Bromley-Trujillo.