Author: julialagano

Women Take Center Stage in Virginia Politics

By Julia Lagano, political reporter

Former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (left) and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. (Photos by Parker Michels-Boyce and Mechelle Hankerson for the Virginia Mercury).

All eyes are on Virginia as the state gears up for a high-stake gubernatorial election this November. Often viewed as a bellwether, Virginia’s off-year election offers both Democrats and Republicans an early litmus test on national political trends and voter sentiment heading into 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.

Regardless of the outcome, this race will be historic; Virginia will elect its first female governor. This marks a milestone in U.S. political history, given the resistance to female leadership at the national level in past presidential elections. The winner will also help shape the state’s ideological direction.

Since 1977, Virginia has a tradition of electing governors from the opposite party of the sitting president, with the exception of 2013. This pattern has made the state a testing ground for political trends, fundraising patterns, campaign tactics, and future party strategies. The state’s ever-shifting demographics, particularly in Northern Virginia, have turned it into one of the country’s most watched battlegrounds.

Although the Virginia primaries are set for June 17, both major parties have officially confirmed their candidates: Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger.

Earle-Sears is already a trailblazer in Virginia politics. She is the first woman to serve as lieutenant governor and the first woman of color to hold a statewide office in Virginia. If she wins this race, she would be the first Black woman elected governor of any U.S. state. Additionally, it would be the first time Virginia has elected back-to-back Republican governors since Jim Gilmore in 1997.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Sears immigrated to the United States at the age of six and grew up in the Bronx, New York. After receiving her Master’s in organizational leadership from Regent University, Sears served as an electrician in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1986.

Sears entered politics in 2001, when she won a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates by upsetting 10-term Democratic incumbent Billy Robinson. In 2018, she ran for U.S. Senate but lost in the Republican primary. She has served on the Advisory Committee on Women’s Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans, as the vice president of the Virginia Board of Education, and as the co-chair of the African American Committee on the U.S. Census Bureau.

A staunch conservative, Sears brands herself as a someone who embodies traditional Republican values. Her platform focuses heavily on education reform, economic growth, law and order, the Second Amendment, and social conservatism, specifically reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ policies.

She has closely aligned herself with Donald Trump, referring to herself as “Trump in heels.” This association may help her among the GOP, but she risks alienating moderate voters, particularly women. Democrats are framing her as too extreme for Virginia as they hope to replicate their wins from 2018 and 2020.

In contrast, Abigail Spanberger, is running as a centrist Democrat focused on bipartisanship. Born in New Jersey and raised in Short Pump, Virginia, Spanberger holds an MBA from Purdue University. After graduating, she briefly worked as a postal inspector with a focus on money laundering and narcotics.

From 2006 to 2014, Spanberger served as a Case Officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), working on international security and counterterrorism operations. After leaving the CIA, she was appointed to the Virginia Fair Housing Board in 2017 by former Governor Terry McAuliffe. In 2018, she was elected to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives; she served until she announced her candidacy for governor in November 2023.

Spanberger’s platform centers on economic development, education, reproductive rights, environmental protection, and public safety. Like Sears, she is prioritizing veterans’ affairs, as Virginia has one of the nation’s largest military and veteran populations.

To broaden her appeal, Spanberger has distanced herself from the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. She’s known for working across party lines and pushing for bipartisan legislation such as the Transactional Fentanyl Prevention Act, American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act, and Supporting Federal Employees in the National Guard and Reserves Act.

“Virginia is seen as ‘purple,’ and this result can be viewed as where the nation is heading as to what’s happening in Virginia.” – John Tedesco, Director of Virginia’s School of Communication and expert in political communication.

Historically, Virginia has leaned Republican. Between 1952 and 2004, the state voted for every conservative presidential candidate, except for the 1964 election of President Lyndon B. Johnson. However, the rapid growth in Northern Virginia during the 1990s shifted the political landscape. Since 2008, Democrats have won Virginia in five consecutive presidential elections, though by narrow margins. In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump by only five points.

2024 Presidential election results in Virginia. Source: Virginia Department of Elections.

Virginia comprises a unique blend of rural conservatism, urban liberalism, and suburban swing voters. The state has about 320,000 full-time federal employees, with 190,000 federal jobs are based there. This job sector constitutes a significant portion of Virginia’s workforce, and the recent news has become a major issue in this year’s race.

In April, CNN reported that more than 121,000 workers have been laid off since the beginning of Trump’s second term by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These cuts have highlighted Virginia’s vulnerable economy and made job security a central campaign issue.

Compared to a Presidential General Election, voter turnout for gubernatorial elections is significantly lower. Last November, Virginia’s voter turnout was 73%, the highest on the East Coast. However, that percentage drops considerably in state elections. Virginia state elections attracts about 42-50% of voters. In 2013, approximately 43% of registered voters cast a ballot.  

In 2021 there were record breaking numbers, with 55% of Virginians voting, the highest turnout for a gubernatorial election in about quarter century. Virginia passed 14 bills to improve voter turnout, such as 45 days of no-excuse early voting, expanding identification options, and designating Election Day a statewide holiday. Because of the state’s unique election schedule, these races are more dependent on voter enthusiasm, local issues, and campaign mobilization.

“I have only voted in presidential elections.Until now, I never realized that [the governor’s race] is held in off-years or the impact it is has on the nation.” – Alana Peyton, voter in Hanover County

To reach voters like Peyton, both campaigns are using different media strategies. Sears is relying more on traditional media, TV, radio and in-person events, to engage more traditional and older electorates. Her messaging places a large emphasis on patriotism, faith, and tradition.

On the other hand, Spanberger is embracing a digital-first approach, using platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to connect with the younger generation and tech-savvy voters. Because she is catering to a younger demographic, Sears has begun to label her as an extreme left winged, or “woke” politician.

Fundraising is crucial in elections, and this one is no exception. Expected to be Virginia’s most expensive gubernatorial campaign, Spanberger has raised around $16 million since launching her campaign in 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, she has raised $6.7 million, a record-breaking number for the first quarter of an election year. Comparatively, Sears has raised around $3.1 million, a record for the Virginia GOP.

Sears’ alignment with Donald Trump could be seen as a strength and a liability. It cements her position with Trump loyalists, it risks alienating moderates and swing voters. “There are advantages for those in strong support of Trump,” Tedesco said, “But that is not going to win over any liberal voters, and it may even scare away moderate voters.”

Voters understand what this election could mean for the future of the U.S. “[The political climate] is very tense right now,” Peyton said, “It feels like you are on one extreme or the other. Which is really frustrating because politicians should be able to work with their cohorts to improve our country as a whole, not just serve one group.”

Not only is this race highlighting key national issues like education curriculum, reproductive rights, economic development, and public safety. It is also confronting a bigger question: is there is any bipartisanship left in the United States?

“In the past year, I have become much more in tune with national politics,” Peyton said, “I plan on voting in the [gubernatorial and local] elections because ultimately, change starts at the bottom.”

Editor’s Note: Dr. John Tedesco is the Director of the Virginia Tech School of Communication which publishes The News Feed NRV.

The Art of Panda Diplomacy

Julia Lagano, Politics reporter

Cultural diplomacy is a major way countries use to foster relationships with other nations. In modern history, China has used panda diplomacy as both a diplomatic and economic strategy since the 1950s, and more recently, a political tool.

The uncertain future of antidepressants

By Julia Lagano, Politics reporter

On February 13, President Donald Trump established the “Make America Healthy Again” commission, with Robert Kennedy Jr. as the lead. The goal for this committee is to promote healthy living among all Americans. Planned initiatives include cutting Medicare and Medicaid, finding solutions to childhood chronic diseases, and placing a ban on antidepressants.

Trump’s Tariffs: The Cost of America First on Your Grocery Bill

Blacksburg locals check out at Kroger. Photo by Julia Lagano.

By Julia Lagano, Politics reporter

February 1, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. He also stated a 10% tariff will be applied on imports from China. Although these haven’t come into effect yet, the impact on the American consumer has already begun.

Why it matters: The economy is always a main concern for voters when it comes to the Presidential election. How will this candidate improve the economy? Many Americans felt that now-President Trump was the best fit for the job. One of President Trump’s main talking points during his campaign was to lower grocery store prices. He promised to do this on his first day in office.

Flashback: In 1992, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The trade pact was inspired by the European Economic Community. It eliminated most tariffs and other trade barriers between the three countries. The act provided mixed results; Mexico increased its exports. However, there was little economic growth for the United States and Canada. In 2020, a new trade agreement was enacted, the United-States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA).

Zoom in: The average price for a dozen eggs in 2019 was $1.55. In 2025, it has soared to $4.95, a 219% increase. With this spike in prices, consumers nationwide are waiting to see the impact. They want to know how this will affect their community, like the New River Valley. There is concern for lower-income families. Will Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) adjust the allotted balances in response to these increases?

  • “The estimated poverty rate in the NRV is about 19%, almost double the rate for Virginia as a whole.  Poor people spend about 33% of after-tax incomes on food (compared to about 14% for the median household), explains Jeffrey Alwang, Agricultural and Applied Economics Professor at Virginia Tech
  • “We do have a fairly good proportions of customers that come in with EBT,” Ella White, Assistant Store Manager at the local grocery store, Earth Fare, shares, “If they see a decrease in what their benefits are, then we will probably lose customers to stores that offer more economical choices.”
Eggs are one of the food products that have increased in price the most. Photo by Julia Lagano

Zoom out: The United States relies on both Mexico and Canada for popular food and beverage products. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, and beer.

  • “About 17% of food consumed in the U.S. is imported and Canada and Mexico are first and third in terms of value of exports to the U.S. (the E.U. is second),” says Alwang.

To be specific, fresh fruits are the biggest import from Mexico. Last year, that was about $9 billion worth. Avocados made up one-third of that total.

Yes, but: A tariff is a tax on imported goods. These taxes are paid by companies that import the goods in question. Advantages of tariffs are that they protect American industries, increasing federal revenue, and encourage domestic manufacturing. President Trump is using these tariffs to put “Americans’ safety and our national security first.” His approach of an isolationism is also a way to promote American companies.

  • “It’s a bleak period right now,” White states. “I am trying to have a positive outlook on the whole thing. I would like to see that [the tariffs] will drive up the country’s economy by encouraging consumers to buy from within the United States.”

What we’re watching for: This was originally supposed to go into effect on February 4. Trump postponed the starting date to March 4. These tariffs could lead to a trade war with Canada and Mexico. The two countries have begun to retaliate in response. If the tariffs are implemented, only time will tell those effects, positive or negative, on groceries and Americans.

Virginia communities brace for change in light of Trump’s immigration orders 

U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, U.S., January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By Julia Lagano, Political reporter

Since his inauguration, President Trump has issued eight executive orders on immigration, sending waves of uncertainty through communities across the nation. In Virginia, where immigrants make up about 12.6% of the population and approximately 227,100 individuals are undocumented, the impact is expected to be significant. With Virginia’s proximity to Washington, D.C., many fear it is only a matter of time before federal enforcement actions begin. 

One policy at risk under these executive orders is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program initiated by former President Obama in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children. While it is not a direct path to citizenship, DACA has allowed thousands of recipients, “Dreamers,” to pursue higher education and secure employment. 

Cities all over the state have already begun to prepare. In the New River Valley, help can be found in Roanoke and Blacksburg. Virginia Tech organizations, like Latin Link, are coming together to support those who are at risk of being affected. Latin Link is one of the largest Latinx student organizations on campus that strives to be a tight-knit community and a safe space for minority students attending a predominantly white institution. The club promotes its members’ cultures and heritages on campus through educational, cultural, and social events. Jennifer Lopez-Perez, senior and president of Latin Link, emphasized the importance of advocacy at this moment, “There is a community here at Virginia Tech that will not stand down and that will continue to fight for their [immigrants’] rights. They [Immigrants] are here for a better future, and they are seen.”  

One way that the club takes a stand is by participating in Undoculliance, a week-long event hosted every year by the Latino Association of Student Organizations (LASO). With the goal to raise campus awareness about immigrant rights and the undocumented experience, the event shows support for DACA recipients and children of immigrants. “We have various guest speakers on a panel, hosted by a few organizations, that will talk about their experiences throughout college and within the workforce,” Lopez-Perez describes, “On social media, there are more organizations that will provide informational videos and provide resources for students both in and out of VT.” 

Outside of Virginia Tech, Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) is making efforts to support immigrants all over Virginia. The CCC has been serving vulnerable populations in Virginia since 1923. They offer a range of services, including but not limited to housing assistance, refugee resettlement, legal support, language education, and permanent residence status. The order, Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program, put a freeze on refugee admissions by suspending applications, and ceasing federal funding to resettlement programs. Katie Dillion, Communications Manager for the CCC, explains the impact of this, “Without federal funding, we are struggling to provide these services to newcomers during their first 90 days, which is the most intense time of support.” The CCC’s immigration team is small to begin with, their Roanoke office only has one staff person, making the capacity to help low.  

For many in Virginia, the fear is not hypothetical —it’s personal. Lopez-Perez, like many others, has witnessed the hardships and sacrifices made by her parents to provide a promising future for their children. “As a daughter of immigrants, I have seen first-hand the battle that my parents have struggled through and continue to struggle through to be able to provide a better future for myself and my siblings. There are countless people that are just trying to live day by day to provide the same for themselves and their families,” she shared, “There are systems that are set in place that leave so many at a disadvantage and yet, they continue to fight and continue to work for that opportunity.”