Spanberger's vetoes strain Virginia Democrats' unity

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, has vetoed 31 bills passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, blocking high-profile priorities like public employee collective bargaining and a cannabis sales framework. The move has sparked public frustration from labor groups and progressive lawmakers and exposed tensions within Virginia’s Democratic Party between a centrist governing style and more progressive aims. Spanberger defends the vetoes as part of governance and implementation, while critics warn of dysfunction and late-stage decisionmaking. A looming budget fight adds to the pressure as lawmakers seek a new biennial plan.