As Virginia voters take part in a closely contested redistricting referendum, Gov. Abigail Spanberger is heading toward the final tally with historically low approval numbers.
For the first time since the 1990s, a sitting Virginia governor is polling below historical norms.
According to Washington Post polling, Spanberger’s approval rating stands at 47%—13 points lower than the average approval rating for Virginia governors and below a majority.
Divided
The low approval numbers come as Virginia voters are casting ballots on a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to redraw congressional district boundaries ahead of the 2026 elections. If approved, the measure would replace the commonwealth’s current map—which divides its 11 U.S. House seats 6-5—with a legislature-drawn map projected to favor Democrats in 10 districts, dramatically altering representation within the state.
Supporters argue that the change is necessary to respond to redistricting in other states, while opponents say the move is nothing more than partisan gerrymandering.
The state is heavily divided, with 44.9% of Virginians supporting the amendment and 45.9% opposing it.
Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., has blasted the redistricting amendment as a “unilateral power grab” in a post on X, calling on voters to “vote no” and warning, “Don’t let them gerrymander our Virginia.”
Spanberger, who during her campaign denied any interest in redrawing congressional maps, did a 180 after taking office and now encourages voters to support the amendment and vote “yes.”
Voters in the commonwealth have until April 21 to decide on the redistricting amendment.
Affordability
Spanberger campaigned on lowering costs for Virginians, emphasizing affordability on the campaign trail and since taking office. In a post on X, she said she is focused on “contending with high costs.”
Polling suggests skepticism over affordability may contribute to her public standing. According to The Republican Standard, 64% of Virginians believe Spanberger’s policies will either increase costs or have no effect, while 31% say her policies would make the state more affordable.
Recent polling shows a sharply divided electorate, with nearly equal shares of voters approving and disapproving of the freshman governor’s performance.
The questions of affordability and the battle over redistricting have brought Spanberger’s honeymoon in office to a quick end.