Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Blasts Spanberger On Radical Anti-Business Policy of Repealing Right To Work Laws
Richmond, VA —
Virginia's certain Republican Gubernatorial nominee has been intensifying her attacks on Joe Biden's handpicked candidate for Governor, Abigail Spanberger (D). The former Marine and current Lt. Governor of Virginia has zeroed in on her opponent’s stance on Virginia's Right to Work laws and is making sure Spanberger can't avoid the issue.
Sears fired the first salvo weeks ago at the Virginia Chamber Foundation’s economic summit, where she appeared on stage before Spanberger, sharply criticizing the former CIA staffer. Sears accused Spanberger of supporting federal legislation that would undermine Virginia’s businesses and force workers into union mandates without state protections.
The remarks generated significant media attention, catching the D.C.-based former Congresswoman off guard. Spanberger did not address the criticisms at the time.
The tension escalated at last week’s Virginia Chamber of Commerce reception in Richmond, where Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the economic successes of the Youngkin-Sears administration. Among the key points was the importance of preserving Virginia's Right to Work laws.
After the Governor's remarks, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears took to the podium, making it clear that maintaining business-friendly policies was essential for Virginia's future. Sears connected a potential Spanberger administration to economic decline, warning of the risks to the state’s competitive edge.
In a statement on her X account, Sears fired back:
Sears' comments serve as a stark warning to business leaders across the Commonwealth. A potential reversal of the economic progress achieved by the Youngkin-Sears-Miyares administration, she argues, could make Virginia uncompetitive and turn the state into a version of "Blue California East."
Virginia is poised to be one of the top battleground states in the 2025 election cycle. Popular Governor Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited, has endorsed Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears as his successor.
Why It Matters?
Since 2022, Virginia has become a magnet for investment, securing nearly $71 billion in capital from major companies such as Boeing, Amazon Web Services, and Raytheon. This surge in investment reflects the state's thriving business climate and pro-growth policies, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. Additionally, more than 10,000 startups have been launched across the Commonwealth, marking a remarkable 66 percent increase compared to the two-year average under previous administrations. These figures highlight Virginia's growing reputation as a top destination for business and technological development.
However, the potential repeal of Right to Work laws could jeopardize this momentum. If businesses and industries perceive that labor laws in Virginia may become less favorable, it could dissuade companies from relocating to the state or opening new operations. The repeal could lead to a decline in Virginia's competitive edge, particularly as companies increasingly look to the state for headquarters or research centers, such as those involved in the rapidly growing field of quantum computing. As businesses seek out stable, flexible labor environments, the loss of these protections could result in Virginia losing its position as a premier destination for innovation and high-tech industries. With companies like those in the up and coming quantum computing sector already eyeing Virginia for future development, the state's economic future could be significantly impacted by any changes in labor laws.
In response to growing concerns about the potential repeal, Lt. Governor Winsome Sears issued a press release strongly opposing any efforts to undermine Virginia's Right to Work law. To learn more, you can view the full press release below:
Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears Leads Fight to Fiercely Protect Virginia’s Right to Work Laws, Condemns Democrats’ Campaign to Restrict Worker Freedom
RICHMOND, VA –"Protecting Virginia's workers' ability to keep as much money in their pockets is how we should vote–we’re here to make peoples’ lives easier, not harder," said Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears as she reiterated her unequivocal support today for Virginia's Right to Works laws. Today, Democrats’ blocked a constitutional amendment that would have guaranteed Virginia workers the freedom to do with their hard-earned wages what they please, and to not be forced to join a union. Pro-worker policies like Right to Work stand as a pillar of the Commonwealth’s thriving economy, competitive business climate, and growing job market – a sentiment echoed by key leaders, who stood with Earle-Sears Tuesday, including Governor Youngkin, Senator Obenshain (District 2), Delegate O'Quinn (District 44), National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation Vice President William Messenger, and business leader Taylor Brannan.
“Democrats’ intentions are now clear as day. If they’re able to hold their majorities in the General Assembly, and win the governorship, they’ll eliminate Right to Work and send Virginia’s economy and job market spiraling into the same disaster we see in states like Maryland, New York, and New Jersey," continued Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears. "That’s plainly unacceptable and we must do whatever we can to stop it. We’d sure welcome Democrats in this fight to protect Right to Work- fourteen previous governors, seven Republican and seven Democrat did– but their rhetoric and their actions prove they have no interest. So, fight we must.”
“Protecting workers from forced unionization is vital to Virginia being named the Top State for business,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Together, we will work to protect Virginia’s workers and our economy from anyone pushing to eliminate Virginia’s right-to-work status.”
“Right to Work is among the most important tools in our economic development toolbox," said Senator Obenshain. "It has a lot to do with our standing as the best state in the country to do business and it is essential that we protect our right to work laws. In recent years there have been legislative efforts to repeal and to weaken these laws. Given these efforts, it is critical to place Right to Work in our Constitution. It is deeply disturbing that we are not advancing this Amendment.”
“I am proud to be carrying HJ492 this session to begin the process of enshrining Right to Work in our Constitution and I applaud Lieutenant Governor Sears for placing an emphasis on this important issue," said Delegate O'Quinn. "Because of Right to Work, Virginia has been home to a pro-business environment that has attracted record level investment and fostered innovation and growth in every corner of the Commonwealth, all while ensuring that Virginia workers are not coerced into joining a labor organization simply to obtain employment. Enshrining Right to Work is an important step to preserving the economic growth and freedoms we currently enjoy in the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Sears to continue advancing a pro-business, pro-worker environment within the Commonwealth."
“Right to Work is a popular policy that’s good for the economy and provides vital protections to workers," said Mark Mix, President of the Virginia-based National Right to Work Committee. "Virginia’s longstanding Right to Work law ensures every worker has the freedom to decide for themselves whether or not to join or financially support a labor union. It is outrageous that any candidate for office would support depriving Virginians of this basic freedom.”