Spanberger Faces Pressure Over Endorsement from School Board Chair After Controversial Remarks

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger is under scrutiny for her refusal to renounce an endorsement from Chesterfield County School Board Chair Dot Heffron, who recently made controversial comments celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Explainer Charlie Kirk Overview

Heffron announced her resignation on September 15, 2025, following backlash over a social media post in which she stated, "Call me old fashioned, but I remember when we used to be okay with shooting Nazis." This statement drew widespread condemnation, prompting the Chesterfield school board to accept her resignation effective December 31, 2025, while they prepare for a special election to fill her seat, which runs through 2027.

In a statement regarding her resignation, Heffron acknowledged, "The words I shared were wrong," and expressed a need for better judgment in her public communications.

Spanberger, who received Heffron's endorsement in December 2023, has not publicly condemned Heffron's remarks. As of the latest reports, Heffron's endorsement remains featured on Spanberger's campaign website and social media platforms.

While Spanberger has issued statements condemning Kirk's assassination and any justification for political violence, she has not specifically addressed Heffron's comments. When asked by various media outlets, including Breitbart News, whether she would reject Heffron's endorsement, Spanberger reiterated her disavowal of violence but did not directly respond to questions about Heffron.

In a tweet, Spanberger stated, "Disagreements over policy, perspectives, or even worldviews should never lead to violence. We are a nation of laws — and we have a First Amendment right to free speech, and that right is not limited just to those who agree with us."

Virginia's Republican leadership has reacted strongly against Heffron's comments. Governor Glenn Youngkin called for her immediate resignation, stating, "Dot Heffron has no place on a school board — not for three more months, not for one more meeting, not for one more day. She needs to resign now."

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the inappropriateness of Heffron's remarks and the need for accountability among public officials.

The controversy surrounding Heffron's comments has prompted further scrutiny of Spanberger's campaign, with critics questioning her commitment to denouncing political violence. Youngkin remarked on social media, "Why won’t Abigail Spanberger renounce the endorsement of Dot Heffron and demand her immediate resignation from the Chesterfield County School Board?"

Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson also condemned Heffron's remarks, stating, "Celebrating or condoning political violence is unacceptable and has absolutely no place in Virginia’s public schools." Gullickson called for investigations into the comments made by school personnel regarding Kirk's assassination, urging local school divisions to adhere to professional conduct standards.

As the gubernatorial election approaches, Spanberger's handling of this endorsement and her responses to the controversy may significantly impact her campaign. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding political discourse and the responsibilities of public officials in maintaining civil dialogue.

The Chesterfield County School Board is expected to appoint an interim member until a special election can be held, further complicating the political landscape in Virginia as candidates prepare for the upcoming election cycle.