Posted on 11/04/25
| News Source: NBC News
Democrat Abigail Spanberger has defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears to flip control of the Virginia governorship, NBC News projects, setting her up to become the first woman to lead the state.
Spanberger, a former congresswoman, won the race in the blue-leaning state after holding polling and fundraising advantages throughout the campaign. Her victory provides Democrats with a shot of momentum as the party attempts to chart their path forward after their 2024 election defeat.
Virginia was one of two states, along with New Jersey, that held the first governor’s races of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Spanberger, 47, centered her campaign heavily on economic and affordability issues, as well public safety and her support for abortion rights. Spanberger’s campaign and allied groups attacked Earle-Sears over her conservative record on social issues and her fealty to Trump.
Earle-Sears, 61, struggled throughout much of the race to find a coherent message. She attempted to emphasize the accomplishments of GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration, telling voters that electing her would mark a continuation of his record, including growing the private sector of the economy and standing up for “parents’ rights” in schools. In the race’s final weeks, she crafted a “commonsense” theme that seemed intended to mimic parts of Youngkin’s winning formula in 2021.