Overview

• Post-debate surveys from Trafalgar and Cygnal show the governor’s race tightening to low single digits, with one poll putting the gap at two points.
• During the Oct. 9 Norfolk debate hosted by WAVY, Winsome Earle-Sears pressed Spanberger to call on attorney general nominee Jay Jones to drop out and to answer questions on bathroom policy.
• Spanberger reiterated that she condemns Jones’ 2022 texts envisioning violence but did not give a yes-or-no on withdrawing her endorsement.
• Earle-Sears released a follow-up ad highlighting Spanberger’s non-answers, as conservative outlets circulated debate clips and critical reactions.
• Senior Virginia Democrats publicly denounced Jones’ language yet maintained their support for his candidacy, urging voters to stay focused on the broader election stakes.