Virginia’s new Democratic governor just claimed credit for $7.1 billion in business investments that her Republican predecessor actually secured months before she even took office.
Story Snapshot
- Governor Abigail Spanberger announced four major business deals totaling $7.1 billion and 3,250 jobs as her administration’s achievements
- All four investments—from Avio USA, Hitachi Energy, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca—were negotiated and publicly announced by former Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2025
- Spanberger’s approval rating stands at 47 percent, 13 points below the historical average for Virginia governors
- The companies themselves credited Youngkin’s administration in their original announcements, with AstraZeneca’s CEO specifically thanking “Governor Youngkin and his team”
When Signing Becomes Claiming
Spanberger signed four bills in early April 2026 authorizing business investments she characterized as proof her administration was “attracting new businesses and jobs to Virginia.” The proclamation sounded impressive until reporters checked the timeline. Avio USA announced its $537 million rocket motor facility in September 2025. Eli Lilly committed $2 billion that same month. AstraZeneca pledged $4 billion in October 2025. Hitachi Energy’s $457 million grid infrastructure investment came before year’s end. Every single announcement occurred under Youngkin’s watch, complete with quotes from the Republican governor in company press releases.
The Formality Defense Falls Flat
Spanberger’s role amounted to signing legislation that formalized deals already committed. Her signature was necessary to provide financial incentives, but calling this “attracting” businesses stretches credibility past the breaking point. The governor claimed she had been “working to create a stable business environment” from her first day in office. Creating a stable environment and inheriting negotiated deals are fundamentally different accomplishments. When AstraZeneca’s CEO thanked Youngkin and his team for their “energy and vision,” he wasn’t talking about the person who would sign paperwork months later.
A Record Worth Remembering
Youngkin’s economic development record speaks volumes about what Spanberger inherited. His administration secured $156 billion in total CEO commitments during his four-year term—exceeding the combined total of Virginia’s previous six gubernatorial administrations. The four investments Spanberger claimed represent a fraction of Youngkin’s broader achievement, yet she presented them as evidence of her own economic development prowess. Youngkin’s spokesman noted the irony: Virginians were being reminded of good news, even if it meant watching Spanberger take credit for deals she didn’t negotiate.
Timing Reveals Political Desperation
The credit-taking announcement coincided suspiciously with troubling poll numbers. A Washington Post-Schar School survey revealed Spanberger’s approval rating at 47 percent, with 46 percent disapproving. That 13-point deficit below the historical average for Virginia governors suggests an administration struggling to gain traction. Youngkin’s team pointed out that Spanberger’s first three months brought “nothing but horrible news for Virginians” as she “broke every single promise she made on the campaign trail.” Desperate politicians often resort to claiming others’ achievements when their own record disappoints.
What the Companies Actually Said
The corporate voices tell the real story. Company announcements from 2025 consistently credited Youngkin’s administration for creating conditions that attracted investment. AstraZeneca didn’t accidentally thank the wrong governor. Hitachi cited support from both Youngkin and the Trump Administration. These weren’t generic thank-yous to Virginia as a state—they specifically recognized the Republican administration’s role in negotiations. When reporters reached out to these companies for comment on Spanberger’s claims, most declined to respond. Their silence speaks loudly about an uncomfortable political situation.
The Credibility Cost
Spanberger campaigned on making Virginia “America’s Top State for Business” through “reliable and predictable governance.” Taking credit for someone else’s work undermines both promises. Businesses value honesty and consistency in government partners. When a governor misrepresents her role in economic development—her self-proclaimed core focus—companies notice. Virginia workers will benefit from these 3,250 jobs regardless of who claims credit, and the state’s economy will gain from $7.1 billion in investment across aerospace, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors. But political credibility, once damaged, repairs slowly. Spanberger refused to respond to media requests for comment, perhaps recognizing that no good explanation exists for claiming credit that clearly belongs elsewhere.
Sources:
Spanberger ripped after taking credit for billions in investments secured under GOP predecessor
Abigail’s Growing Virginia Plan
