An open letter from Thompson-Hall FOP Lodge #5 regarding Gov. Spanberger

The following letter was sent out and posted in reference to actions and serious concerns from local law enforcement officers about Abagail Spanberger and her relationship with the Police Benevolent Association. It was shared with The Schilling Show by Fraternal Order of Police Thompson-Hall Lodge #5 president, Roger R. Mathias.

January 30, 2026

To all FOP members, family, friends, and supporters of Law Enforcement:

I wanted to take a moment to clarify some information that has been circulating and that I have personally been questioned about. I have done my best to compile this information with facts that I have gathered and have personal knowledge of.

1. The Virginia State FOP and Thompson-Hall FOP Lodge #5 did not openly support or endorse candidate Abagail Spanberger for Governor. The Virginia PBA (Police Benevolent Association) did openly support her. In August 2025 the Virginia PBA President. Joe Woloszyn, stated “the Virginia PBA board of directors is proud to publicly endorse Abagail Spanberger for Governor of Virginia”
2. Day I in office, Spanberger through executive order repelled E. 0.47-2025 the “Keeping Virginians Safe from Dangerous Illegal Immigrants Act”. It cannot be within Virginia’s best interest to have local, state and federal law enforcement entities not working together in partnership to remove individuals accused of heinous crimes. Community safety should remain top priority for all levels of law enforcement, and is best achieved when agencies work together for that common goal.
3. During her time as a U.S. Representative, Spanberger had a history of voting for forced union membership and fees (2021 HR842 Pro Act), and in May 2024 effectively acknowledged she is prepared to sign into law a big labor power grab authorizing and promoting forced union fees as a job condition according to the National Right to Work Committee.
   Spanberger told Richmond’s WRIC-TV (ABC) that tampering with Virginian’s Right to Work protections may be necessary. On top of that, Spanberger co-sponsored the Union-Label Legislation that would have federally imposed union monopoly bargaining on all state and local public employees across the country (e.g. law enforcement, corrections, dispatchers, etc.). Personally, I feel you should have a choice if you wish to belong to a professional group, organization, or association, and you should not be forced into paying fees/dues.
4. Although it has been removed from the current agenda I don’t think we’ve seen the last of the attempts to removed Qualified Immunity for law enforcement professionals. In June 2020 Spanberger co-sponsored the “Justice in Policing Act” claiming there is systemic racism and bias in law enforcement. This act would have removed Qualified Immunity protection so that law enforcement professionals can be sued personally if they’ve allegedly violated someone’s rights.
   Spanberger’s running mate, and now Virginia Attorney General, Jay Jones as a delegate in 2020 co-sponsored a bill to end Qualified Immunity protection for law enforcement officers in Virginia. In 2021 during a campaign stop he publicly stated “we’ve got to end Qualified Immunity so we can hold our police accountable”.
5. Keep an eye on VA House Bill 217/Senate Bill 749 that will restrict gun magazine capacity. Spanberger’s aggressive proposed gun legislation has already started to call into question as to if it violates Virginians 2nd Amendment Constitutional protections. How will this effect off-duty officers and retired law enforcement?
   As reported by The Washington Examiner “much of the proposed new legislation is unconstitutional. If passed, it would also turn law-abiding citizens of Virginia into criminals overnight and cost tax-payers millions.”

In closing, Spanberger’s actions since taking office align with her history, actions, and comments. This may be the reason the FOP did not see her and her running mates as endorsable leaders for Virginia, especially as it pertains to protecting and supporting law enforcement. As some have said Spanberger is a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Reporter K. Jerkovich October 2025).

If you are not currently a member and wish to know more about FOP membership and benefits please visit our website: centralvirginiafop.net. We encourage active law enforcement, retired LEO, those in public safety, friends and family members, and  supporters of law enforcement to join today. We thank you for you supporting the Fraternal Order of Police and Thompson-Hall FOP Lodge #5.

Respectfully,

Roger R. Mathias
President Thompson-Hall Lodge
Central Virginia/Charlottesville Va