Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, has accused Virginia gubernatorial candidate and former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger of accepting campaign contributions from a prominent figure within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to Cortes, this action demonstrates Spanberger’s preference for “radicalism and elite ties over serving Virginians.”
“Abigail Spanberger accepted money from a major Chinese Communist Party leader, showcasing her disregard for the hard-working patriots of Virginia,” said Cortes. “Spanberger proves, time and again, that her priorities are her radicalism and her connections to elites, not a commitment to true public service.”
Spanberger reportedly received $50,000 in campaign contributions from Pin Ni, an executive at the Chinese electric vehicle conglomerate Wanxiang Group and a confirmed CCP member. The Washington Free Beacon reported that these donations were made in April and May. Under Virginia law, foreign nationals are prohibited from donating to political campaigns. Additionally, Chinese law prevents CCP members from holding foreign citizenship. Spanberger has previously warned about national security threats posed by China and supported electric vehicle subsidies that could benefit Ni’s company.
According to the Free Beacon, Ni has been recognized as an “Outstanding Communist Party Member” 15 times and is involved in initiatives related to the CCP. He holds positions in U.S.-based Chinese organizations that promote Beijing’s interests, including the U.S.-China Strong Foundation and China General Chamber of Commerce. Ni is also President of Wanxiang, which has benefited from federal electric vehicle tax credits—a program Spanberger voted for—and owns KARMA Automotive, a luxury EV brand that benefited from U.S. EV tax credits passed under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Campaign finance records indicate that Spanberger accepted two contributions totaling $50,000 from Ni. These connections were initially reported by The Washington Free Beacon and later confirmed by Fox News. Both Virginia state law and federal election rules prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to political campaigns.
In response to these developments, Winsome Earle-Sears, Virginia’s lieutenant governor and Spanberger’s Republican opponent, criticized Spanberger’s energy policies in a campaign advertisement: “Abigail Spanberger’s energy plan is a roadmap to ruin,” she said. “Banning gas cars. Killing jobs. Crushing families under a radical progressive agenda.”
Steve Cortes serves as Founder and President of the League of American Workers and senior political advisor to CatholicVote. He is also a former senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance and works as a commentator for Fox News and CNN.
