Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger (D) declined to clearly state whether she supports allowing biological males in girls’ locker rooms during a recent local television interview. When pressed by Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears, Spanberger pivoted to a lengthy discussion about federal funding and Title IX interpretations instead of directly answering the question.
Earle‑Sears had charged that Spanberger is “fine with putting men in girls’ locker rooms,” but the candidate deflected. She explained that current practice involves “conflicting evidence or conflicting interpretations” of Title IX and criticized the Trump administration’s use of the federal funding threat as a “cudgel.” Spanberger emphasized that Congress—not the president—has authority over funding decisions, warning that executive overreach jeopardizes not only schools, but universities and vital research institutions.
“You have to have clear guidance to schools,” Spanberger said, suggesting local communities should help determine how to manage shared spaces. She framed the issue as one of legal clarity rather than ideological commitment.
Earle‑Sears fired back on social media, calling Spanberger’s response a “word salad” that “defends her support for men in girls’ bathrooms and predators in their locker rooms.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller added criticism, likening her response to Kamala Harris’s famously circuitous answers and accusing Spanberger of endorsing allowing “psychologically disturbed men in your daughter’s restrooms.”
The controversy arrives amid intense political focus on transgender policies in Virginia. Republicans have seized on recent incidents to keep the issue top of mind. In response, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a directive ordering health regulators to ban transgender-identifying males from female locker rooms and sports.
During a debate last week, Spanberger was asked if she would maintain or rescind Youngkin’s directive. Again, she refused to answer directly. Her campaign has also declined to state whether she would reverse that guidance if elected, describing Spanberger as a mother and former federal law enforcement official dedicated to protecting children.
