Who will become Virginia’s first female governor? With the 2025 general election matchup locked in, Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears are already campaigning fiercely to succeed Gov. Glenn Youngkin. As one of only two governor’s races this year, Virginia’s contest is a critical early test of voter sentiment under President Donald Trump’s second term. Here’s a deep dive into the candidates, their strategies, and what’s at stake.
1. A Historic Race Takes Shape
Unlike most election cycles, Virginia’s gubernatorial primary on June 17, 2025, was a formality—Spanberger and Earle-Sears, the only major-party candidates to qualify, have known for months they’d face off. Their campaigns have been in general election mode for months, offering voters a clear choice in a state known for tight races. The winner will make history as Virginia’s first woman governor, adding extra weight to this high-stakes battle.
Fun Fact: Virginia’s off-year governor races often predict national political trends, with 11 of the last 12 electing the party not in the White House.
2. Abigail Spanberger: Betting on Affordability and Rights
Spanberger, a former CIA officer and U.S. representative, is pitching herself as a moderate focused on:
- Economic Issues: Tackling affordability and strengthening Virginia’s economy for all.
- Reproductive Freedom: Championing abortion access, a key issue in Virginia, the South’s last bastion for abortion care until viability.
- Opposing Trump’s Policies: Criticizing Earle-Sears’ response to Trump’s federal workforce cuts, which threaten Virginia’s 340,000 federal jobs.
Her campaign has also targeted Earle-Sears’ conservative stances on contraception and same-sex marriage. “Abigail will stand up to Trump’s attacks on Virginia jobs and defend fundamental freedoms,” said spokesperson Connor Joseph.
3. Winsome Earle-Sears: Doubling Down on Youngkin’s Legacy
Earle-Sears, Virginia’s lieutenant governor, is a Jamaican-born Marine veteran and businesswoman who made history in 2021 as the first Black woman in statewide office. Her campaign emphasizes:
- Youngkin’s Record: Promising to extend the governor’s economic growth and “parents’ rights” in education.
- Conservative Values: Appealing to GOP voters with a focus on traditional priorities.
Despite Gov. Youngkin’s praise, calling her “the American Dream,” some Republicans criticize her campaign’s lack of focus. “She’s electrifying but needs a clearer message,” said a GOP operative. Her spokesperson, Peyton Vogel, countered, “Winsome is building a movement to keep Virginia on the right track, unlike Spanberger’s Biden-era policies.”
4. Early Polls and Campaign Spending
A recent Roanoke College poll shows Spanberger leading with 41% favorable views compared to Earle-Sears’ 32%, though 20% of voters remain undecided. Spanberger’s financial edge—$1.4 million in ad spending versus Earle-Sears’ $2.3 million, per AdImpact—hasn’t fully translated to dominance, but her moderate appeal and Virginia’s Democratic lean give her an edge.
Key Stat: Virginia voters often favor the out-of-power party, a challenge for Earle-Sears with Trump in office.
5. What’s at Stake for Virginia and Beyond
This race isn’t just about Virginia—it’s a bellwether for 2026 midterms. Spanberger’s focus on affordability and reproductive rights contrasts with Earle-Sears’ conservative continuity. Democrats, backed by groups like EMILY’s List, are hammering Earle-Sears’ anti-abortion and social conservative stances, while Republicans bank on Youngkin’s popularity. With Trump’s influence looming, will voters reward or reject his party?
How will Virginia’s choice shape the national political landscape? Join the conversation below!
Read More: How Virginia’s 2025 race reflects national trends.
Get Involved: Who do you think will win Virginia’s governor’s race? Share this article to spark discussion and comment with your predictions!
