Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears is making the elimination of Virginia’s car tax a cornerstone of her campaign for governor — and now, Democrat Abigail Spanberger is backing her up, breaking with Assembly Democrats to support the repeal of what’s widely seen as the most hated tax in the Commonwealth. 

The car tax has drawn the ire of politicians for nearly 30 years and has once again surfaced in this year’s gubernatorial race. (RELATED: Spanberger Blasted for “Anti-Woman” Record in New Ad Campaign)

Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed eliminating the tax this year, but Democrats in the General Assembly blocked the proposal.

“This is an opportunity for us to say the car tax, the one single most hated tax in the commonwealth, can finally be addressed,” said Republican Ryan McDougle (Hanover) supporting the repeal of the car tax.

“How does this help the person who does not own a car, first and foremost, and what does this do for those who have to rely on public transit?” Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) said speaking against a proposal to eliminate the tax.

Polls show that 67% of Virginians support repealing the tax including 56% of Democrats.

Despite her party’s support for the tax in the General Assembly, Democrat Abigail Spanberger has announced her opposition to the tax. (RELATED: Rising Costs and Power Shortages Spark Possible Reversal of Democrat-Driven Mandates)

“Abigail will work with both Democrats and Republicans to put Virginia on a real path towards eliminating the car tax once and for all,” the Spanberger campaign said via a spokesperson.

Critics say eliminating the tax would cost municipalities as much as $3 billion per year.