In the fast-moving world of Virginia politics, Abbi Sigler sits at the center of the storm.
Sigler, who graduated from the College in 2013 with a major in government, is the deputy communications director for Republican Ed Gillespie’s gubernatorial campaign.
It’s a lot of writing. A lot of back-and-forth with the press. And it’s not that different from The Cavalier Daily, the former Life editor said.
“In a lot of ways, it’s similar to the Cav Daily,” Sigler said. “There’s a lot of moving parts and teams, but everyone is trying to meet the same exact goal.”
The 2017 governor’s race, still in primary season, has garnered national attention. It’s seen as a bellwether for both Democrats and Republicans as they head into midterm elections in 2018.
On the Republican side, Gillespie, who served as an advisor to President George W. Bush and as chairman of the Republican National Committee, faces off against Frank Wagner, a state senator, and Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William County board of supervisors.
For a spot on the Democratic ticket, Tom Perriello, a former U.S. representative who has the backing of Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, will go up against Ralph Northam, the current lieutenant governor who carries the endorsement of Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Virginians head to the polls for primary elections on June 13.
It can be a bit hectic, Sigler admits. But she says her time on the paper has been a major boon.
“I understand what the press deals with,” she said. “I understand what it means to have deadlines you have to meet.”
Before working on Gillespie’s campaign, Sigler spent time in both Richmond and Washington. After graduation, she worked in Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office as a fellow and then as the deputy press secretary. When his term was up, she went to work in former Rep. Robert Hurt’s Congressional office. After he retired, she served as communications director for Rep. Mimi Waters.
It’s a media-centric career path she attributes in part to the CD.
“I’m not sure I would do what I do now if I hadn’t been a part of The Cavalier Daily,” she said.
Sigler joined The Cavalier Daily as a second year. After a short stint on the production team, she went all in on the Life section, penning a column and then handling Love Connection. She served as a Life section editor during fourth year.
Across three years, what does she remember most?
“Final Roll,” she laughed.