Overview

• Spanberger launched her first negative television ad titled “Real Issues” that highlights Earle-Sears’s refusal to comment on federal workforce cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency
• The spot opens with a clip of Earle-Sears telling CNN she would not discuss the cuts because she wanted to focus on “real issues,” framing the GOP candidate as aligned with Trump’s agenda over Virginians’ job security
• Latest Decision Desk HQ polling averages put Spanberger ahead 45.2% to 36%, and Cook Political Report classifies the race as lean Democratic
• Spanberger’s campaign reported raising $10.7 million in the second quarter, more than double Earle-Sears’s first-quarter total, further widening the resource gap
• President Trump said he “would” endorse Earle-Sears if convinced of her chances but withheld a full backing, reflecting strategic caution within GOP ranks