Virginia Dem Governor Candidate Gives Word Salad Response to Boys in Girls Bathroom Question
Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, faced questions this week about her position on transgender bathroom and locker room policies, an issue now at the center of a legal battle between the Trump administration and several Northern Virginia school systems.
During an interview with WJLA News reporter Nick Minock, Spanberger was asked directly if she supports biological males who identify as female using women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and competing in women’s sports.
Instead of giving a yes-or-no answer, Spanberger cited ongoing court cases and the need for clearer legal guidance.
“The circumstance as this legal case plays out is really one of we’ve had court cases settled or judged here in Virginia in the fourth district, the former Gavin Grimm case related to bathroom usage,” Spanberger said.
“And in fact, the argument is the assessment is there needs to be much clearer guidance in terms of what is an executive order’s binding assessment of Title IX versus what has been a decision of a court.”
Minock pressed her to state plainly whether she supports the policies, but Spanberger did not provide a direct answer.
JUST NOW: Abigail Spanberger is asked MULTIPLE times whether she supports men in women's bathrooms and locker rooms — and refuses to say.
— Kyle Martinsen (@KyleMartinsen_) September 20, 2025
"Do you support biological males using women's locker rooms and bathrooms and competing in women's sports?"
Spanberger: *dodges*
"Do you… pic.twitter.com/INIf5OEN93
Her response comes as the Trump administration’s Department of Education challenges policies in five Northern Virginia school districts that permit students to access bathrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex. Federal officials argue that those policies violate Title IX.
The Gavin Grimm case, which Spanberger referenced, was a notable legal battle in Virginia involving a transgender student who sought access to school bathrooms aligned with gender identity.
Courts have previously ruled on aspects of the case, but disagreements over how Title IX should be interpreted continue to play out in federal court and administrative decisions.
Spanberger’s refusal to give a direct answer has drawn attention as both parties prepare for a competitive gubernatorial election.
Republicans see the issue as a vulnerability for Democrats, who risk alienating suburban voters if they appear too closely aligned with policies on transgender student access.
Republican candidate Winsome Sears, who previously served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, has made the issue central to her campaign, repeatedly criticizing Spanberger for not taking a clear position.
Sears has argued that parents deserve transparency on where candidates stand, especially on issues involving schools and children.
The legal clash between the Trump administration and Virginia school systems is expected to intensify in the coming months.
Federal officials have said they will continue pressing their interpretation of Title IX, which bars sex-based discrimination, to argue that policies allowing bathroom and locker room access by gender identity are unlawful.
School districts maintain that their policies are designed to comply with anti-discrimination protections for students.
Spanberger’s approach reflects the challenge facing Democrats nationwide.
Public opinion polls show most voters oppose allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports and use female-designated facilities, yet Democratic candidates face pressure from progressive groups to support those policies.
The exchange highlights the growing role of cultural and education-related debates in state-level races.
With Virginia voters set to choose their next governor in 2025, the transgender bathroom and sports issue is expected to remain a flashpoint, with both parties pressing their case to suburban parents and school communities.
As the campaign continues, Spanberger has not clarified her position beyond her interview remarks.
Meanwhile, Republicans, led by Sears, are expected to keep the issue at the forefront, framing it as a matter of fairness, parental rights, and accountability in schools.









