A.C. Cordoza, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, said that a protest sign from an Abigail Spanberger supporter at a Winsome Sears event carried a racist message. The statement was made on X.
“Hey Abigail Spanberger, what do you mean “YOUR water fountain,” said Cordoza, House Representative. “This is your supporters saying: If someone doesn’t support TRANS people in the bathroom then we don’t deserve rights? Ever heard of Jim Crow?! Hey Abby: If Blacks can’t share your water fountain, then you aren’t getting our vote! BYE!”
At an Arlington County School Board meeting, a protester supporting Abigail Spanberger displayed a sign directed at Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears that read, “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then blacks can’t share my water fountain.” According to Townhall.com, the sign drew widespread condemnation for its racial insensitivity and false equivalence, sparking outrage across Virginia political circles. The incident highlighted deepening partisan and cultural divides.
The protester later claimed the water fountain sign was “satire meant to provoke conversation,” but the public reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Social media users and Republican leaders denounced it as racist and historically ignorant. As reported by Townhall.com, some noted that invoking segregation-era imagery was indefensible. The sign quickly went viral as an example of toxic political rhetoric.
Recent Virginia politics have seen mounting tension between Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Sears. According to The Washington Post, polls show Spanberger leading in the governor’s race while also securing an endorsement from the Virginia Police Benevolent Association. This endorsement, unusual for a Democrat, gave her added credibility on public safety and underscored GOP struggles. Republicans are recalibrating their strategy in response.
Cordoza is a Republican representing District 86 in the Virginia House of Delegates and has served since 2022 after defeating Democratic incumbents. A U.S. Air Force veteran and cybersecurity professional, he has focused on education, technology, and veterans’ issues during his tenure. As reported by Ballotpedia, Cordoza lives in Hampton and sits on several committees, reflecting his blend of military and civic experience.
