General Discussion

They both ran on - the policies they promote - I don’t see much difference.

Of course, One is running for Gov and one for Mayor so obviously the policies are geared either to a city or more broadly to a whole state with rural areas needing things more urban areas don’t -

But does anyone think if Mamdani were running for Gov he WOULDNT be promoting the same things that Spanberger ran on? Like expanding broadband, increasing support for school funding, raising teacher pay,

Spanberger - Economic growth and workforce development focused on creating high-quality jobs while ensuring that small businesses and working families thrive. Is this not something Mamdani would support?

partnerships between community colleges, trade schools, and private employers, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Not Mamdani?

Her plan for Virginia’s workforce includes a statewide apprenticeship network that connects high school graduates directly to skilled labor opportunities — a proposal supported by both labor unions and business groups. WOULDNT this be something Mamdani would propose if running as Gov?

This focus on infrastructure, combined with agricultural support programs, aims to revitalize small towns and strengthen rural economies across the state. Seems very Mamdani to me.

Spanberger helped pass federal legislation empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices, a policy projected to save billions for seniors. She also supported capping insulin prices and limiting out-of-pocket costs for chronic conditions. I think Mamdani would have supported if in Congress.

Spanberger believes that mental health is inseparable from overall health. She secured funding for school-based mental health programs and local crisis response teams. Her plan for Virginia includes expanding telehealth access and integrating mental health care into primary health systems. Seems very Mamdani to me.

Education Policy: Investing in the Next Generation

Education reform has long been one of Spanberger’s defining issues. Her policies focus on equity, teacher pay, and preparing students for real-world

Spanberger voted to expand funding for community policing programs, de-escalation training, and officer mental health services. She emphasizes that safety starts with trust between officers and residents. Sounds VERY Mamdani to me.
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Spanberger supports Virginia’s role as a leader in offshore wind and solar development. She has worked to attract green energy investments that bring jobs to rural areas, particularly along the coast and in the Shenandoah Valley. Yeah, again sounds like Mamdani would be pushing if running for Gov.

Her plan for Virginia includes a Clean Energy Workforce Initiative, designed to train thousands of workers for new energy

Spanbergers commitment to restoring trust in government is central to her political identity. Again, not Mamdani?

Spanberger has also supported reforms to:

Increase campaign finance transparency.
Strengthen anti-corruption laws.
Modernize lobbying disclosure requirements.
In her gubernatorial platform, she vows to hold Virginia’s government to the same ethical standards — including pushing for a state-level stock trading ban for elected officials. Not Mamdani?

Spanberger co-sponsored bills to expand mental health care, job placement, and education assistance for veterans. Her plan for Virginia calls for additional funding for veteran transition programs and housing support services. Yup I think very Mamdani.

Oh, and Richmond VA already has some free bus lines.

So — what’s the difference? Well one is Muslim and one is not. One is critical of Israel and calls out genocide in Gaza and one was critical of Israel back in 2023 (We are deeply concerned by Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu’s current military strategy in Gaza. The mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and not in line with American interests; nor do they advance the cause of security for our ally Israel) but moderated her stance since a bit and hasn’t called it a genocide. And there you have it. I’ve said it. My opinion only obviously.

So… why do Democrats get sucked into labeling Dems? Rs will call any D a socialist or far left loony Why do we not focus on actual policies and if we did that we could embrace both Mamdani AND Spanberger has the way to win elections.