Democrat Spanberger Gains Police Union Support in Virginia Gov. Race/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As crime dominates U.S. politics, Democrats face pressure to show credible leadership. In Virginia, gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has won the state’s largest police union endorsement, breaking with party orthodoxy on policing. Her law enforcement background and pragmatic policies are being touted as a blueprint for Democrats heading into 2026.
Spanberger Crime Leadership Quick Looks
- Democrats struggle with crime messaging after “defund the police” fallout
- Trump’s crime crackdowns in D.C. and L.A. put pressure on Democrats
- Virginia Police Benevolent Association endorses Democrat Abigail Spanberger
- Union rejected GOP Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a 2021 endorsee
- Spanberger: ex-CIA officer, daughter of a police officer, law enforcement background
- Criticized “defund the police” slogan as wrong and politically damaging
- Advocated more funding for police, Social Security fairness for retired officers
- Endorsed by Fraternal Order of Police despite its support for Trump nationally
- Polls: Public confidence in police rising, crime reduction a top voter priority
- Spanberger’s authenticity and focus on family safety resonate with voters
Democrat Spanberger Gains Police Union Support in Virginia Gov. Race
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — For Democrats, crime remains a political vulnerability. President Donald Trump’s deployments of federal forces in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles have not necessarily made those cities safer, but they’ve succeeded as political stunts, keeping Democrats defensive.
Republicans have long wielded “law and order” messaging — a strategy dating back to Richard Nixon — but after the “defund the police” controversy, Democrats still struggle to articulate a message voters trust. That gap has cost the party with working-class Americans across racial lines.
Yet one candidate, Abigail Spanberger, Virginia’s Democratic nominee for governor, is offering a blueprint for how the party can reclaim credibility on crime and public safety.
Police Union Endorsement Breaks Ground
In a striking development, the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, the state’s largest police union, endorsed Spanberger — the first time it has backed a Democrat for governor in nearly two decades.
The endorsement is especially notable given the union’s rejection of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Spanberger’s Republican opponent and a past recipient of its support. The union’s pivot signals confidence in Spanberger’s authenticity and record.
A Law Enforcement Background
Spanberger’s resume stands out in today’s political climate. A former CIA officer and federal law enforcement official, she is also the daughter of a police officer. Five years ago, she publicly denounced “defund the police,” calling the slogan both substantively wrong and politically toxic.
Unlike some Democrats, Spanberger has consistently advocated for supporting law enforcement while also pursuing reforms. She:
- Voted to increase federal funding for local police departments.
- Championed legislation ensuring retired officers receive full Social Security benefits.
- Earned praise from the Fraternal Order of Police, a union that otherwise backed Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns.
Connecting With Voter Priorities
Spanberger’s approach aligns with public sentiment. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found nearly six in 10 Americans — including almost half of Democrats — prioritized reducing crime. Meanwhile, a Gallup poll showed confidence in police reaching its highest point since 2018, particularly among younger, non-white, and independent voters.
For Spanberger, crime isn’t an abstract talking point. As both a former officer and a mother, she frames safety and security in personal, everyday terms that resonate beyond party lines.
Democrats Need to Go on Offense
Political strategist James Carville, writing in Fox News Opinion, argued Democrats can’t afford to stay reactive. Instead of litigating slogans, the party must proactively highlight leaders like Spanberger who show toughness on crime without ceding ground to Republican narratives.
Carville also criticized GOP leaders for political theater, such as Louisiana’s Republican governor deploying National Guard troops for photo-ops during hurricane season.
“Our party’s leaders can’t be afraid to call out Republican recklessness when it puts lives at risk,” he said.
A Path Forward for 2026
Spanberger isn’t alone. Other Democrats with law enforcement and military backgrounds — such as New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill, also running for governor — are building campaigns rooted in safety, security, and family priorities.
Their authenticity, Carville argued, cuts through partisan noise and positions Democrats as capable stewards of public safety.
With the 2026 midterms looming, Democrats face a choice: continue stumbling over crime messaging or embrace candidates like Spanberger who can turn a political liability into a winning issue.
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