‘Backyard brawl’ ignites as West Virginia's Morrisey moves to poach blue state rival Spanberger's jobs
Gov. Patrick Morrisey says he'll visit Loudoun County to make the case for relocating across the border
By Charles Creitz Fox News
Published May 18, 2026 7:52am EDT | Updated May 18, 2026 8:34am EDT
TABLER STATION, W.V. — Virginia’s shift toward higher taxes and new regulations is triggering an interstate economic "brawl," as West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey moves to lure businesses and workers across the border.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has promoted an "affordability agenda," but a wave of proposed tax increases and regulatory changes from legislative Democrats has opened an opportunity for neighboring states to compete for businesses and residents.
Even though some of these proposals never made it to Spanberger's desk or claimed her signature, the political climate has prompted West Virginia officials to actively target Virginia’s workforce and employers, pitching lower taxes and fewer regulations as a competitive alternative.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Morrisey said he plans to take that pitch directly into Virginia communities, including Loudoun County, to draw businesses and workers into West Virginia.
more
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/backyard-brawl-ignites-west-virginias-morrisey-moves-poach-blue-state-rival-spanbergers-jobs
