Virginia Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation this week authorizing four corporate investments totaling $7.1 billion and expected to bring 3,250 new jobs to the Commonwealth. The investments span the aerospace, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors.
However, the deals that Spanberger touted were originally negotiated and announced during the administration of her Republican predecessor, former Governor Glenn Youngkin. The four bills she signed — HB 1531, HB 799, HB 800, and HB 1076 — were all announced by Youngkin's office between September and December 2025.
The legislation formalizes awards that include $537 million for aerospace company Avio USA (over 1,500 jobs), $457 million for an unspecified company (825 jobs), over $2 billion for pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly (450 jobs), and $4 billion for AstraZeneca (500 jobs).
What the Left Is Saying
Spanberger's office framed the investments as evidence of her commitment to economic growth. 'From my very first day in office, I have been working to create a stable business environment so companies can hire, expand, and continue to invest in our Commonwealth,' Spanberger said in her press release. 'I am signing these bills into law so we can continue to grow Virginia's economy and create opportunities for Virginians.'
The governor's announcement also highlighted her administration's focus on attracting new businesses. 'Attracting new businesses and jobs to Virginia is a core focus of my administration — and I'm proud of the hundreds of millions of dollars in investment we have already announced this year,' she said. 'I look forward to continuing to work with legislators, local communities, and business leaders as we make clear that Virginia is the top state in the nation to grow or start a business.'
Supporters argue that signing the legislation into law, regardless of when the deals were announced, represents the governor executing her constitutional duty and ensuring the investments move forward under her administration.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican critics have sharply criticized Spanberger for claiming credit for her predecessor's work. 'She's trying to take credit for somebody else's work,' former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares told Fox News Digital. 'In grade school we call that cheating.'
Youngkin spokesperson Justin Discigil added: 'The last three months have been nothing but horrible news for Virginians as Abigail Spanberger broke every single promise she made on the campaign trail and now has the lowest approval rating of any Virginia governor this century. Governor Youngkin is happy that Virginians are being reminded of some good news, even if it means Gov. Spanberger taking credit for the economic deals he secured for the Commonwealth.'
Sean Kennedy, president of Virginians for Safe Communities, invoked Senator Elizabeth Warren's famous phrase: 'My simple message for Abigail Spanberger is, to quote Elizabeth Warren, "You didn't build that!"' Kennedy argued that Spanberger's policies include tax increases and higher energy costs, saying she 'has to take credit for her Republican predecessor's accomplishments bringing jobs to Virginia because her policies are actually raising taxes, killing jobs, and hiking energy costs.'
What the Numbers Show
According to a press release from Youngkin's office, the former governor secured $156 billion in total CEO commitments during his term — more than the previous six gubernatorial administrations combined. The investments announced during Youngkin's tenure include major commitments from aerospace, pharmaceutical, and energy companies.
The four bills signed by Spanberger this week were originally announced during Youngkin's governorship: HB 1531 (Avio USA) was announced in December 2025, while HB 799 and HB 800 were both announced in September 2025. HB 1076 (AstraZeneca) was announced in October 2025, just weeks before Youngkin left office.
Spanberger's approval ratings have become a point of contention. Discigl noted that she has 'the lowest approval rating of any Virginia governor this century' according to unnamed critics. The article also notes that Spanberger's economic strategy has included ushering in new taxes, despite campaigning on a message of affordability.
The Bottom Line
The controversy over credit for the investments highlights the political challenges facing Spanberger in her first months as governor. While the legislation she signed will formalize major corporate investments in Virginia, Republican critics argue she is attempting to claim achievements that belong to her predecessor.
Spanberger did not respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment on the controversy. The episode illustrates how economic development deals, which often span multiple administrations from negotiation to final approval, can become political footballs in partisan environments. Future coverage should examine whether these investments translate into actual job creation and economic growth under the new administration.