Republican gubernatorial candidate claims Democrat ‘will transform’ Virginia in anti-trans political ad

['Christopher Wiggins', 'Christopher Wiggins Is The Advocate S Senior National Reporter In Washington', 'D.C.', 'Covering The Intersection Of Public Policy', 'Politics With Lgbtq', 'Lives', 'Including The White House', 'U.S. Congress', 'Supreme Court', 'Federal Agencies. He Has Written Multiple Cover Story Profiles For The Advocate S Print Magazine'] Advocate.com 2025-09-23 10:00:03

With early voting now underway, the 2025 Virginia governor’s race has entered a volatile new phase. Republican candidate and current lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, launched a campaign ad warning that Democrat candidate Abigail Spanberger "will transform" the state by supporting transgender rights. As a mom and as your governor, I will be focused on making our schools the best in the nation.”The Earle-Sears ad concludes, “The truth: Abigail Spanberger will transform Virginia. Related: Virginia Republican candidate for governor addresses grads at extremely anti-LGBTQ+ schoolsNow, Earle-Sears is betting that using trans people can perform the same function. "Virginia voters are paying attention, and we will work to keep them informed as they head to cast their ballot during one of the most critical elections for LGBTQ+ people in Virginia history," Rahaman said.