VEA Member from Mecklenburg County: “Abigail Spanberger has Always Prioritized Our Schools and Educators”

VEA Member from Newport News: “Abigail Spanberger Understands the Unique Challenges that Students and Families Face in Underserved Communities”

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education (VEA Fund) yesterday released the following statement endorsing U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger — a product of Virginia public schools — to serve as the 75th Governor of Virginia.

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Abigail Spanberger Earns VEA Fund’s Endorsement, Educators’ Support in 2025 Gubernatorial Race

The Virginia Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education (VEA Fund) is backing Abigail Spanberger in the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election. This endorsement reflects VEA Fund members’ confidence in Spanberger’s strong commitment to supporting and strengthening public schools and the importance of effective leadership in securing a high-quality education for every student in Virginia.

“Abigail Spanberger has proven time and again that she is a steadfast advocate for Virginia’s students, teachers, and public schools,” said Carol Bauer, president of the VEA Fund. “Her dedication to strengthening public education and commitment to ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students make her the clear choice for the next governor of Virginia. Abigail shares our vision for a future where every child receives a top-notch education, and every educator is valued and supported.”

Spanberger’s proven record of supporting Virginia’s public schools and her unwavering dedication to educational equity align with the mission and values of the VEA Fund. During her tenure in Congress, she championed measures focusing on teacher retention, equitable funding, and workforce development. Her recent bipartisan work on the Teacher and School Leader Quality Partnership Grants Act demonstrates her practical approach to addressing the challenges faced by Virginia educators and school systems.

Under Spanberger’s leadership, members of the VEA Fund believe Virginia can continue to pursue educational excellence, and ensure public education as a pathway to a prosperous and equitable future for all. (See comments from several members below.)

The VEA Fund looks forward to working alongside Spanberger as she continues championing Virginia’s public schools and advocating for the resources our students and educators need to succeed.

“As a hardworking advocate for public education, Abigail Spanberger has always prioritized our schools and educators. Her commitment to increasing teacher pay and ensuring every student has access to quality education is exactly what we need in Virginia.” – Benjamin Sizemore, VEA Member, Mecklenburg County

“Abigail Spanberger understands the unique challenges that students and families face in underserved communities. Her vision for equitable funding in education and programs that close achievement gaps make her the ideal leader for Virginia.” – Kim Hasty, VEA Member, Newport News

“Abigail has been a consistent supporter of our educators and understands the critical role teachers play in shaping Virginia’s future. She has worked to expand resources and reduce burdens on teachers, and I know she will continue to be a champion for educators as governor.” – Heather Sipe, VEA Member, Virginia Beach

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Spanberger thanked VEA Fund for their strong support.

“I am deeply honored to receive the VEA Fund endorsement,” said Spanberger. “I believe in the power of public education to uplift our communities and create opportunities for every child in Virginia. As Governor, I will work tirelessly to support our teachers, strengthen our schools, and ensure that every student — no matter their background — has access to a world-class education.”

BACKGROUND

Spanberger served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 2019 to January 2025. Before Congress, Spanberger served as a federal law enforcement officer — tracking narcotics traffickers and working money laundering cases. She then served as a CIA case officer — working undercover on counterterrorism and nuclear counterproliferation cases. She and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three school-aged daughters in Virginia public schools.

Abigail Spanberger announced her campaign to serve as the 75th Governor of Virginia in November 2023.

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