Spanberger Unveils 'Affordable Virginia' Agenda Amid GOP Tax Bill Criticism

Governor's 2026 plan focuses on healthcare, energy and housing costs, but Republicans blast dozens of new tax proposals.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Governor Abigail Spanberger has made affordability the centerpiece of her 2026 agenda, promising relief for Virginians struggling with housing, energy and everyday costs. However, the Republican-controlled legislature has introduced over 50 new taxes and tax increases on everyday expenses like dog walking, Uber and fantasy sports, arguing the extra revenue is needed to address problem areas like housing and energy costs. Democrats counter that most of the tax proposals are still pending in committees and have not been signed by the governor.

Why it matters

Affordability is a key issue for Virginia voters, with many struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, utilities and other essentials. Spanberger's 'Affordable Virginia' plan aims to tackle these challenges, but faces pushback from Republicans who argue the proposed tax increases will only further burden residents.

The details

Spanberger's 'Affordable Virginia' agenda focuses on three main initiatives: healthcare, energy and housing. Democrats say the extra tax revenue would be used to bring costs down in these problem areas. However, Republicans counter that the state should instead pursue tax cuts and increased natural gas production to help lower energy prices.

  • The 2026 General Assembly session is currently underway in Richmond.
  • Spanberger unveiled her 'Affordable Virginia' agenda in early February 2026.

The players

Governor Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia, who has made affordability a key priority for her 2026 agenda.

Senator Mark Peake

A Republican state senator who argues the state should pursue tax cuts and increased natural gas production rather than new taxes.

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What they’re saying

“We need tax cuts, not tax increases, that's one place to start. We could have tons of natural gas pumped into the commonwealth to supply our energy needs, which would help keep our electric costs down, which applies to everything that we purchase.”

— Senator Mark Peake, Republican State Senator (WSET)

What’s next

The proposed tax bills will continue to be debated in the state legislature, with Democrats and Republicans offering competing visions for addressing affordability challenges in Virginia.

The takeaway

Affordability has emerged as a central political battleground in Virginia, with the governor and legislature at odds over the best approach to providing relief for residents struggling with rising costs of living. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the state's economic and political landscape in the years ahead.