Abigail Spanberger Wins Virginia Governor’s Race, Makes History

UPDATE: Abigail Spanberger has made history by winning the Virginia governor’s election, becoming the state’s first woman governor. The former U.S. representative and federal law enforcement officer secured her victory against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in a decisive race called by the Associated Press just one hour after polls closed on November 7, 2023.

With approximately 35% of the votes counted, Spanberger led with 55% compared to Earle-Sears’ 45%. This outcome aligns with public polling throughout the election cycle, which consistently showed Spanberger ahead by a margin of 7 to 12 points.

Virginia’s gubernatorial elections, occurring in odd years following presidential elections, serve as a critical barometer for national political trends and are closely watched as indicators for upcoming congressional midterms. Spanberger’s campaign focused heavily on pressing economic issues, appealing to centrists and independents as a moderate candidate capable of bipartisanship.

Recent polling highlighted that affordability issues, particularly rising rent costs, were top concerns for Virginia voters. In contrast, Earle-Sears concentrated on social issues, such as transgender participation in sports, which previously helped propel Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to victory in 2021. However, as the election unfolded, these topics appeared to resonate less with voters.

A poll from Christopher Newport University released last week indicated that Virginia voters prioritized threats to democracy, inflation, healthcare, and immigration over social issues. This shift in focus may have contributed to Spanberger’s victory.

The election backdrop featured a federal government shutdown and significant cuts to federal funding and workforce, amplifying the relevance of Spanberger’s economic messaging. Throughout the campaign, Spanberger outpaced Earle-Sears in fundraising, amassing over $65 million compared to the lieutenant governor’s $35 million, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

As Virginia prepares for this historic transition, all eyes will be on Spanberger as she embarks on her term, addressing the pressing needs of the state and its residents. This election marks a significant moment in Virginia’s political landscape and signals possible shifts in voter priorities ahead of the midterms.

Stay tuned for further updates as Spanberger outlines her agenda and priorities in the coming days.