As Sears Praises Trump Tax Bill and Majority of Virginia Voters Oppose It, Medicaid Cuts Become Major Issue in Governor's Race

Virginia Scope: “Big Beautiful Bill” not popular with Virginia voters and could impact governor’s race

VIRGINIA - New reporting from Virginia Scope details how Medicaid cuts have become a major issue in the Governor’s race, as the majority of Virginia voters oppose the Trump tax bill that Winsome Earle-Sears has backed, saying “it does so many great things” - despite the fact it takes healthcare away from 322,000 Virginians and will force rural hospitals to close. 

“As the overwhelming majority of Virginia voters oppose Trump’s tax bill and Winsome Earle-Sears throws her support behind it, the Medicaid cuts have become a major issue on Virginians’ minds. In November, Virginians will hold Sears accountable for praising the unpopular law that’s ripping healthcare away from families, seniors and kids,” said DPVA Spokesperson Maggie Amjad.

Virginia Scope: “Big Beautiful Bill” not popular with Virginia voters and could impact on governor race

• “Big Beautiful Bill” [is] not popular with Virginia voters and could impact governor’s race.
• A majority of Virginia voters oppose the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling, highlighting deep skepticism among independents and showing a potential impact on Virginia’s gubernatorial election.
• 54% of respondents opposed the legislation, while 35% expressed support. Among independents, opposition climbs even higher: 59% oppose the bill, compared to only 23% who back it.
• The findings underscore the challenge facing lawmakers who supported the sweeping measure, which has drawn national attention for both its branding and controversial provisions.
• The legislation is poised to potentially play a pivotal role in this year’s governor’s race, with 53% of voters saying they would prefer a candidate who opposes the bill, compared to 37% who say they’d favor a candidate who supports it.
• One of the bill’s most unpopular provisions involves cuts to social safety net programs. 56% of voters said reducing Medicaid and SNAP benefits to fund tax cuts “very serious concerns,” while just 32% said the changes don’t concern them.
• “Those cuts have the very real potential to jeopardize the stability and survival of hospitals, to harm patient access to care, and to significantly weaken our economy and employment,” said Julian Walker, a spokesperson for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.
• Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears has praised the bill, saying it “does so many great things,” during an appearance on Newsmax.
• Her Democratic opponent, Abigail Spanberger, released a statement criticizing the bill after it passed.
• “Virginians deserve a governor who understands, not ignores or dismisses, the severe consequences of this bill,” she said. “They deserve a governor who recognizes the severity of this moment — for the health of our neighbors with chronic conditions, the fiscal health of our Commonwealth, and even the ability of Virginia’s food banks to feed those who are hungry.”