POLITICS

Virginia Governor Polls Below Predecessors Ahead Of Referendum

PUBLISHED Apr 6, 2026, 5:04 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 62%

Right 38%

Sources: 8

RICHMOND, Va. — A Washington Post–Schar School poll released Monday shows Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger with a 47 percent approval rating and 46 percent disapproval, placing her below the averages for each of her eight immediate predecessors, as voters prepare to decide on a redistricting referendum. The poll, released just over two weeks before the referendum, highlights strong partisan divides and resident concerns about affordability, health care and immigration; reporting notes the proposed map could shift the state's U.S. House delegation to as many as 10 Democrats and one Republican.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Washington Post–Schar School poll released showing Spanberger at 47% approval.
Coverage highlights 46% disapproval and intensity figures (29% strongly approve, 38% strongly disapprove).
Reporting notes a Spanberger-backed redistricting referendum scheduled just over two weeks after the poll.
Local resident interviews cite affordability, health care, housing and immigration as key concerns.
Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin signals he has 'more to give' after leaving office earlier in the year.

News Intelligence

The upcoming redistricting referendum could change Virginia's political landscape. It may impact issues you care about like affordability, health care, and immigration. Check your voter registration status and mark your calendar for the vote.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 63%, Right 38%

Who Benefited

If approved, the proposed Spanberger-backed redistricting plan would likely increase Democratic representation in Virginia’s U.S. House delegation, shifting seats in favor of Democratic candidates according to the articles' reporting on the referendum’s projected effects.

Who Impacted

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is portrayed as politically weakened by a Washington Post–Schar School poll showing 47% approval and 46% disapproval, a standing lower than her eight immediate predecessors and noted ahead of a consequential redistricting vote.