RICHMOND —ÌýFormer , D-7th, got a $5 million boost for her campaign for governor from the , which announced the pledge as "an initial investment" in the Virginia Democrat's race against to become the first woman elected to the state's top office.
Spanberger, a Henrico County resident who stepped down this year after three terms in Congress to run for governor, had raised $16.3 million through March 31, compared with the $5.7 million that Earle-Sears had raised.
Part of the money will show up in the fundraising report that was due on Monday night, covering contributions made from April 1 through June 5.
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The $5 million might not be the last investment that the association makes in Spanberger's campaign. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states that elect a governor a year after the presidential election. President Donald Trump returned to the White House with Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress.
"The DGA is proud to make this initial investment to back Abigail Spanberger, a former federal law enforcement officer and CIA case officer, and a mom of three children in public schools who has always put Virginia first," said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, or DGA, who cited the importance of the election under the new Trump administration.
"Abigail delivered bipartisan results for veterans, seniors, and the middle class in Congress, and she's running to strengthen public schools, lower the cost of health care and housing, and stand up for Virginia's jobs and freedoms," Kelly said.
"The ongoing economic uncertainty of rising prices and Republican attacks on Medicaid, public education, and the federal workforce only raises the stakes of this critical race, and we will continue working alongside Abigail to make history and win this November."
The Republican Governors Association said in early April that it would pay for "a five-figure digital ad campaign" to help Earle-Sears by attacking Spanberger's voting record in Congress. The ad campaign, called "The Truth About Abigail Spanberger," criticized the former congresswoman over her previous positions on immigration policy, taxes and spending, and parental control in public education.
Earle-Sears also appeared at the Republican Governors Association's ball in Washington, D.C., the night before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
From the Archives: The Virginia state Capitol building
01-29-1970 (cutline): Capitol is focus for women lobbyists' work during session.
02-06-1962 (cutline): Byrd (left) and Del. Pollard view model of Capitol at Commitees' session yesterday.
10-10-1963: Capitol's lunch room.
03-13-1972: Inside of Capitol.
01-13-1962 (cutline): Virginia's Capitol early today, all ready for the Harrison inaguration ceremony.
02-21-1968 (cutline): Sign proclaims 'Fire Lane' along north side of Capitol. Parked cars are almost bumper-to-bumper, but Fire Chief is tolerant.
03-20-1964: Easter Sunrise service at the Virginia State Capitol
03-12-1974:In March 1974 at the state Capitol, Virginia first lady Katherine Godwin Ìý(second front right) unveiled a painting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The work, by Jack Clifton of Hampton (front), was presented by the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution; it commissioned the painting in cooperation with the Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission. Assisting Godwin with the unveiling were state Sen. Edward E. Willey Sr. of Richmond and DAR official Mrs. John S. Biscoe.
