Democrat Abigail Spanberger elected Virginia’s first female governor
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Abigail Spanberger wins Virginia’s governor race, pledging to serve all residents. Her historic win flips control from Republicans and boosts centrist Democrats.
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Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger speaks during a campaign event with former President Barack Obama on November 1, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. (AP)
Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger pledged Tuesday night to govern for all Virginians—regardless of how they voted—following her projected win over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
“My intent is to serve all Virginians, and that means that I will listen to you," Spanberger said to a cheering crowd at her election night event. “I will work for you and with you. That is the approach that I’ve taken throughout my entire career."
Spanberger also extended an olive branch to her opponent, thanking Earle-Sears for a “hard-fought race” and her military service, urging her supporters to “wish her and her family well.”
The former Democratic congresswoman and CIA officer will become Virginia’s first female governor. She delivered a message of unity and pragmatism, declaring:
“We sent a message to every corner of the Commonwealth, a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country. We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship.”
Spanberger, 46, centered her campaign on kitchen-table issues like affordability and the impact of federal job cuts, a key concern for a state with over 300,000 government employees. She also sought to tie Earle-Sears to former President Donald Trump, despite his lack of an official endorsement.
Her victory flips the governor’s mansion from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to Democratic control and provides a boost to national Democrats, particularly centrists, as they navigate the return of the Trump administration.
Spanberger emphasized economic growth and bipartisanship in her remarks saying "I cannot wait to get to work for you."
A mother of three and a former law enforcement officer, Spanberger made history while reinforcing her reputation as a pragmatic centrist capable of winning swing districts—and now, a statewide race.
Trump campaign manager says Earle-Spears 'bad candidate'
President Donald Trump’s campaign manager is openly criticizing Virginia GOP gubernatorial nominee Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, calling her an ineffective candidate.
“A Bad candidate and Bad campaign have consequences - the Virginia Governors race is example number 1,” Chris LaCivita posted on X, shortly after major outlets, including CNN, projected Democrat Abigail Spanberger as the winner.
Throughout the race, Spanberger repeatedly linked Earle-Sears to Trump, branding her a loyal Trump ally despite the former president not formally endorsing her.
