Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman, has made history by winning the Virginia gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. According to projections by NBC News, Spanberger’s victory flips control of the state back to Democrats and makes her the first woman ever to serve as Governor of Virginia.
Historic Democratic Win After 2024 Setback
Spanberger’s win in the blue-leaning state gives Democrats a renewed sense of momentum as they look to rebuild after their losses in the 2024 national elections. With 95% of votes counted, Spanberger secured 57.4%, while Earle-Sears trailed with 42.4%. Virginia was one of two states, along with New Jersey, to hold the first governor’s races of President Donald Trump’s second term, putting the results in the national spotlight.
Campaign Focused on Social Issues
Throughout her campaign, the 47-year-old Democrat focused on issues directly affecting households the rising cost of living, economic development, public safety, and abortion rights. Her campaign also targeted Earle-Sears’ conservative stance on social issues and her loyalty to Trump, which became a central theme in Democratic messaging.
In her victory speech in Richmond, Spanberger said, “Tonight, we sent a message. We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025 Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our Commonwealth over chaos.”
She reaffirmed her campaign promises by vowing to “focus relentlessly” on “lowering costs, keeping our communities safe and strengthening our economy for every Virginian.”
Earle-Sears Struggled to Build Momentum
Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, 61, who currently serves as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, faced challenges throughout the race in establishing a clear message. She tried to highlight the achievements of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration, arguing that her victory would continue his policies particularly his efforts to boost the private sector and support “parents’ rights” in education.
In the final weeks of the campaign, Earle-Sears attempted to reshape her platform under a “commonsense” theme, echoing Youngkin’s winning strategy from 2021. However, this effort failed to close the gap between her and Spanberger, as Democrats’ strong organization and fundraising advantage proved decisive.
A Turning Point for Virginia
Abigail Spanberger’s victory marks a major political shift in Virginia, which has oscillated between both parties in recent years. Her leadership will likely influence how Democrats frame economic and social policies nationally, especially in states where voters value moderate, practical governance over ideological extremes.