VA Dems Promised Good Governance. Weeks After Storm, Roads Tell Different Story
RealClearPolitics
by Benjamin Jaros, RCPFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A recent major winter storm dumped over a foot of snow across Northern Virginia, leaving residents struggling to navigate impassable roads and sidewalks nearly three weeks later. Despite the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) acknowledging the failure to clear secondary roads and sidewalks, the agency has set a low bar for success—merely creating narrow paths “suitable for emergency service vehicles.” This failure contrasts sharply with the Democratic Party’s promises of effective governance under Gov. Abigail Spanberger and unified state control.
The slow response highlights a disconnect between the administration’s ambitious legislative agenda and its ability to deliver basic public services. While the General Assembly has pushed forward with ideological priorities like gun control, redistricting reforms, and cannabis licensing, VDOT has struggled to mobilize resources for snow removal. The situation underscores broader concerns about the state’s ability to meet everyday needs while pursuing high-profile policy goals.
This issue matters politically because it challenges the narrative of competent leadership that Democrats touted during the election cycle. The contrast between legislative ambition and governing incompetence raises questions about whether the party can deliver on its promises of good governance. Residents are left questioning whether the administration’s focus on ideology over infrastructure reflects a broader failure to prioritize their daily lives.
The situation also points to a larger pattern of governance challenges under Democratic control, as seen in other states like Minnesota and California. These examples suggest that while Democrats may excel at advancing progressive agendas, their ability to manage public services effectively remains in question. The snow removal fiasco in Virginia serves as a cautionary tale about the gap between political promises and practical execution.
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/13/2026