Virginia Governor’s Race Heats Up with Controversial Ad Amid Record Early Voting

FIRST ON FOX: A new seven-figure advertisement in Virginia’s governor’s race is evoking memories of the notorious Willie Horton campaign ad from 1988. This development comes as early voting in the Old Dominion state reaches unprecedented levels, with over 146,000 ballots cast in just the first week—more than twice the pace of 2021 according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The ad, created by the American Principles Project, targets Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger, particularly focusing on her stance regarding transgender policies. It argues that her approach endangers the safety of women and girls by allowing biological males into female spaces. With record turnout for early voting, the ad aims to sway voters’ perceptions before Election Day.

Highlighting Controversial Cases

One particular case mentioned in the advertisement involves Richard Cox, a Tier III sex offender from Arlington County. Cox has repeatedly been charged with indecent exposure in girls’ locker rooms. The ad uses this case to criticize Spanberger’s record and claims that her opposition to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s guidelines for transgender students could lead to similar incidents occurring in the future.

Terry Schilling, founder of the American Principles Project, expressed outrage over the situation. He stated, “The case of sexual deviant Richard Cox preying upon young girls in Virginia is enraging to any decent person – but not to Abigail Spanberger. She refuses to condemn Richard Cox at all.” Schilling’s comments underscore the ad’s aggressive tone and its aim to frame Spanberger’s policies as a direct threat to children’s safety.

Political Implications

Schilling further emphasized the stakes involved, arguing that Spanberger’s policies could lead to increased danger for young girls if she is elected as governor. He stated, “If Abigail Spanberger is elected Governor of Virginia, she will repeal all protections for women in Virginia and put even more young girls in danger. The reason we are spending $1 million on this ad is because every Virginia voter should know that Abigail Spanberger will endanger their daughters.” Such statements reflect a broader strategy by the Republican Party to leverage crime and safety issues during this campaign cycle.

Advertising Strategy and Political Context

The American Principles Project has been active in various battleground states, framing itself as a champion of family values and warning against policies that it argues confuse children about gender identity. By launching this ad now, they aim to position Spanberger as out of touch with the concerns of Virginia voters ahead of the election.

The strategy harkens back to the infamous Willie Horton incident, where a racist narrative was constructed around then-Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis and a convicted murderer. Although criticized by many, such tactics have been proven effective in influencing public opinion and election outcomes. George H.W. Bush defeated Dukakis largely due to the negative perceptions created by that ad.

Opposition Campaign’s Response

Abigail Spanberger, who has previously voted for the Equality Act and opposed Youngkin’s transgender guidelines, is attempting to steer the conversation towards her achievements in Washington and the prevailing economic issues. Her campaign quickly responded to the ad, clarifying that the individual mentioned, Richard Cox, is indeed a convicted sex offender who is currently incarcerated.

A spokesperson for Spanberger’s campaign stated, “Abigail is a parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer who went after child predators — nothing is more important to her than the safety of Virginia’s kids. As Governor, Abigail will work with law enforcement to ensure that sex offenders are held accountable and prevented from preying upon children.” This response aims to portray Spanberger as a responsible leader committed to child safety.

The Road Ahead

Currently, Cox remains in custody in Arlington County with multiple charges pending against him, according to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. Schilling countered Spanberger’s narrative by asserting that her policies have inadvertently allowed predators to threaten the safety of women and girls.

Polling data show Spanberger currently leading in the race, with a recent Washington Post Schar School poll revealing support for her at 55 percent compared to 43 percent for Republican nominee Winsome Sears. Despite this lead, Republicans are optimistic due to the early voting numbers, which suggest a competitive landscape where cultural and safety issues resonate deeply with parents statewide.

The Final Stretch

As the campaign accelerates and more voters participate in early voting, additional advertisements are anticipated to heighten the stakes. The concluding weeks of the campaign will test the effectiveness of using crime narratives almost four decades after the original Willie Horton ad. Early voting periods conclude on November 1, setting the stage for heightened political activity and possibly dramatic shifts in voter sentiment.

As the Earle-Sears campaign has yet to respond to requests for comments, all eyes remain on the unfolding dynamics of this pivotal gubernatorial race. The political landscape in Virginia continues to evolve as both parties strategize to address the critical issues resonating with voters in the lead-up to an election that could set the tone for future policy decisions.