New Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger entered office branding herself as a pragmatic centrist. But Virginia Republicans argue her first executive actions tell a different story — and could set up a bruising fight in Richmond over housing, immigration enforcement, and the direction of state government.

In the hours after her inauguration, Spanberger issued a wave of executive orders that included rescinding former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 287(g) order tied to cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while launching broad affordability initiatives centered on housing.

Virginia House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, said to Fox News the administration’s housing order raises concerns about expanded government involvement in issues traditionally handled at the local level. When asked about Spanberger’s directive establishing a “process for housing affordability,” Kilgore responded that, in his view, “government’s not always the answer.”

“What you have to do is allow the free market to go in and build the houses and get a rate of return. But a lot of bills that we’re passing here now; a landlord-tenant [bill] would keep folks if they’re not paying their rent [have] longer to come up with their rent, gives them all kinds of options there,” Kilgore said.

He warned that new tenant protections could discourage investment. “When folks are investing money, and they are losing money because they can’t get folks out because they’re not paying their rent, they’re not going to invest in the commonwealth.” (RELATED: Virginia Democrats Revive Push for New Local School Construction Sales Tax)

Kilgore also criticized the structure of Spanberger’s affordability push, arguing the state needs immediate action rather than more study. “Virginia needs affordability now; that’s what was campaigned on.” He added: “We’re willing as a Republican caucus to [step] up right now. There are things we can do to make Virginia more affordable… We don’t need a study. Let’s work on it right now and address what we can.”

Spanberger’s order said she would “support, encourage, coordinate, and innovate using the fullest powers of state government in partnership with local governments and the nonprofit and private sectors to create practical solutions that meet the housing needs of Virginians.”

Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, said the early agenda confirms what Republicans predicted. “Gov. Spanberger campaigned as a centrist pragmatist, but she was a progressive in moderate’s clothing from the start.” He argued the housing effort could undermine local authority, adding: “Her ‘affordable housing’ order raises serious questions about whether this administration will override local zoning authority across the commonwealth. Virginians were sold a facade of practical solutions to make the commonwealth affordable—instead, they’re getting Zohran Mamdani-style collectivism dressed up as housing policy.”

Republicans also pointed to redistricting as another looming conflict, warning proposed congressional maps could reshape Virginia’s political balance. Kilgore, however, predicted the rapid shift could trigger backlash. “Virginia is not a liberal state. A lot of folks think, ‘Oh, [Democrats] got their trifecta now’, but… we’re a moderate state,” he said. “We are already looking at these bills – the pendulum swings back. I’ve been in politics a long time, and I’ve seen the pendulum go back and forth in the commonwealth of Virginia, and I’m sure that we’ll be back.”

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