As a Virginia woman, I am no stranger to the continued struggle over protecting women’s spaces and girls’ sports. We have fought tirelessly for the idea that privacy, fairness, and safety matter, and that acknowledging biological reality is not intolerance, but common sense.
For decades, Democrats have claimed to be champions for women. But where are those so-called champions when women are the ones being harmed? In Congress, Abigail Spanberger has had every chance to stand for women, defend equality, and protect the spaces that belong to us. Instead, she has doubled down on supporting policies that have eroded women’s privacy and dignity by letting men into women’s spaces.
Across the Commonwealth, we have made ample progress under Governor Youngkin’s leadership by elevating our concerns and restoring balance and respect for parents and women alike. But without that stronghold in office, this progress remains fragile. Spanberger’s record speaks volumes. She will not stand for women and girls, but instead will take away from our daughters the rights for which previous generations fought.
I am proud to be a member of Independent Women’s Network, which equips Virginia voters with the facts about whether our elected officials truly stand with women.
When Virginians head to the ballot box this November, I hope they remember who actually stood up for women — and who stood by silently.
Ashley Varner-Thielan is a Virginia resident, wife, and a leading member of Independent Women’s Network.