Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) named Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) its February 2026 Porker of the Month for instigating massive tax increases on Virginians.

Throughout her gubernatorial campaign, Gov. Spanberger promised “affordability” to all Virginians, but once she won, she quickly called for higher taxes. Inspired by Gov. Spanberger, Democratic state legislators introduced 50 bills that include new or increased taxes on dog walking and grooming, dry-cleaning, home and vehicle repairs, and fantasy sports. These tax increases are outrageous considering there was a $2.7 billion surplus in 2025 and the prior governor’s 2026 budget proposed $730 million in tax cuts. Virginia’s neighbors Kentucky and North Carolina are slashing their income taxes in 2026 to attract jobs and economic development while Gov. Spanberger’s taxes will drive Virginians out.

CAGW President Tom Schatz said, “Thanks to Gov. Spanberger, Virginia is not for lovers, it is for higher taxes. Many of the proposed taxes would hit everyday purchases and services that lower-and-middle-income families use. Instead of making good on her promise to make Virginia ‘affordable’ for residents and taxpayers, her tax agenda would drive citizens and businesses out. For misleading Virginians and instigating unnecessary and harmful taxes, Gov. Spanberger was an easy choice for February 2026 Porker of the Month.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. For more than two decades, Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers and government officials who have shown a blatant disregard for the taxpayers.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260219793658/en/

Thanks to Gov. Spanberger, Virginia is not for lovers, it is for higher taxes.