Republicans won big four years ago by casting doubt on the state’s public schools. Abigail Spanberger, the parent of three school-aged daughters, is betting on restoring faith in them.

By Mel Leonor Barclay for The 19th

During a recent campaign stop in central Virginia on a sweltering afternoon, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger drew the most energized reaction from the crowd after telling the audience that aside from tackling the high cost of living, her focus as governor would be on ensuring Virginia has “the best public schools in the nation.”

Four years ago, Republican Glenn Youngkin won an upset victory for the state’s highest office by turning his attention to education: Youngkin’s “Parents Matter” rallies stoked frustration at pandemic-era school closures and masking rules, railed a

See Full Page