Abigail Spanberger Wins Virginia Gubernatorial Race

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, won the Virginia gubernatorial election on November 4, 2025, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Her victory marks a significant moment as she becomes Virginia’s first female governor.

The election was closely watched across the nation, driven by the implications for the upcoming 2026 midterms. Voters selected not only a new governor but also a lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. Polls opened at 6 a.m. and closed at 7 p.m., with live results expected to update as votes were counted.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer, gained prominence in 2018 when she flipped a U.S. House seat in Northern Virginia. She resigned from Congress in 2024 to pursue the governorship, and her win aligns with the trend of Virginia choosing governors from the opposite party of the sitting president.

The Associated Press declared Spanberger the winner at 7:58 p.m. EST. Her victory reflects voters’ desire for change, especially as she succeeds Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who could not seek a second consecutive term.

Political analysts noted the election’s relevance as the first major contest since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Voters were eager to show their political preferences ahead of the critical midterm elections.

Live coverage of the election results was available through multiple platforms, including news apps and on-air broadcasts, allowing citizens to stay informed on local races and legislative changes across the state.