(The Center Square) – Virginia’s largest police group is splitting its endorsements in this year’s statewide races, backing one Democrat and two Republicans.
The Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VPBA) has endorsed Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares and Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid.
Spanberger’s campaign announced the endorsement Aug. 13, saying, “Virginians deserve a Governor who recognizes the tremendous sacrifice that comes with swearing an oath to protect and serve our neighbors. As Governor, I will always make sure our brave men and women in blue have the tools, resources, and training they need to do their jobs and keep us safe.”
Miyares posted on X that it was “an honor” to have the VPBA’s trust, adding that “law-and-order leadership matters.” Reid’s campaign also announced his endorsement the same day.
The Virginia Police Benevolent Association is the Virginia division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA).
Through its charitable foundation, the group helps fund up to $70,000 in death benefits for families of officers killed in the line of duty, provides scholarships, and runs programs to address PTSD and prevent suicide among law enforcement, according to their website.
In 2021, the VPBA endorsed Republicans Glenn Youngkin for governor, Winsome Earle-Sears for lieutenant governor and Miyares for attorney general.
With less than 100 days until Election Day, the endorsement is notable because this year the group is splitting its support, backing one Democrat and two Republicans in Virginia’s top statewide races.
Spanberger, a former CIA officer and congresswoman, is running against Sears for governor, while Miyares is seeking a second term against Democratic nominee Jay Jones, a former Virginia delegate.
Reid’s campaign announced the endorsement Aug. 13, calling the VPBA “one of the Commonwealth’s leading law enforcement organizations.” In the release, Reid said he was “honored to have the support of the men and women who protect our communities every single day” and pledged to “make sure they have the resources, training, and political backing they need to do their jobs and get home safe.”
He added that in Richmond, he would “fight to make Virginia the safest state in the country.”
The VPBA says endorsements are decided after candidate screenings by its local chapters, based on legislative priorities and support for law enforcement.
The Center Square requested comment from Sears’ campaign but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
