Former GOP Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) is going to bat for his former Democratic House colleague, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), with the former House Freedom Caucus member touting Spanberger’s ability to work across the aisle in a new ad.
.@RepRiggleman endorsed our campaign, because he understands what’s at stake in this election — and he knows how committed I am to serving our country and the Virginians I represent.
I appreciate his endorsement and his willingness to put country over party. ?? pic.twitter.com/QJKtNnr4fu
— Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerVA07) October 10, 2022
In the 30-second clip, Riggleman, who served two years in the House before being ousted in a primary after he officiated a gay wedding for two campaign volunteers, noted the unusual nature of the ad and highlighted Spanberger’s experience as a CIA officer.
‘I HAVE A RECORD’: BATTLEGROUND DEMOCRAT SAYS GOP ATTACKS WON’T STICK
“This is not a typical political ad. I’m a Republican congressman saying nice things about a Democrat. In Congress, the parties sit apart and don’t work together— except Abigail Spanberger. She keeps trying to change Congress and make it work,” he says in the ad.
“And she’s ranked the most bipartisan member of Congress from Virginia and fifth in the country,” he added. “In the CIA, Abigail worked counterterrorism — she puts country first. That’s why I support Abigail.”
Spanberger is currently facing GOP nominee Yesli Vega in a heated battle for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, with nonpartisan handicapper Cook Political Report rating the race as “leans Democrat.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Riggleman, a vocal Trump critic who has spoken out against unfounded claims the 2020 election was stolen and served as an adviser for the Jan. 6 select committee, asserted he believes that the Virginia Democrat is the best person for the job, expressing confidence that she will win the seat in November.
“Facts-based over facts-challenged is my litmus test. Abby wins hands down,” Riggleman told the Washington Examiner.
GOP operatives see the recently redrawn D+1 seat as a potential pickup opportunity in the fight to take back the majority in the House.
Spanberger was first elected in 2018, unseating conservative hard-liner Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA).
Riggleman told CNN in June that he no longer considers himself a Republican. “I think the party left me some time ago,” he said.
