by Brandon Jarvis

The Republican Governors Association is investing $500,000 in Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears.

RGA also released a new digital ad attacking Earle-Sears’ Democratic opponent, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger.

The RGA is prepared to spend “several million dollars to keep Virginia red,” Punchbowl reported this morning.

Earlier this month, the Democratic Governors Association announced its plans to make a $5 million initial investment in Spanberger’s campaign.

“The DGA is proud to make this initial investment to back Abigail Spanberger, a former federal law enforcement officer and CIA case officer, and a mom of three children in public schools who has always put Virginia first,” said DGA Chair Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

Both organizations went on the offensive after Tuesday’s primary elections concluded — even though both Spanberger and Earle-Sears were the nominees for months after facing no primary opponents.

Republicans are trying to paint Spanberger as a pro-criminal who opposes common-sense legislation.

“While Winsome Earle-Sears is ready to axe the Car Tax and the Tax on Tips, Spanberger will continue to protect illegal criminals over Virginia families and oppose commonsense tax cuts – just like she did in Washington,” said RGA Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton. “Abigail Spanberger would take Virginia backward and stunt the growth Virginians have seen under Lt. Governor Earle-Sears and Governor Youngkin’s leadership.”

Democrats are trying to paint Earle-Sears as an extremist who supports policies that hurt Virginia.

“Winsome Sears has proven she’s far too extreme for Virginia — she’s fought to defund public schools, cheered on DOGE cuts on Virginia’s economy, and has refused to oppose devastating Medicaid cuts — all while supporting a far-right abortion ban,” said DGA Executive Director Meghan Meehan-Draper. “Trump’s attacks on federal jobs, Medicaid, and public education only raise the stakes of this race, and we look forward to working alongside Abigail and the rest of the Democratic ticket to make history this November.”

Election day is Nov. 4.