Abigail Spanberger Makes History as Virginia’s First Female Governor, Flipping State Back to Democrats
Written by b87fm on 11/04/2025
RICHMOND, Va. — Democrat Abigail Spanberger has been elected governor of Virginia, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in a historic win that returns the state’s top office to Democratic control. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and congresswoman, becomes Virginia’s first female governor.
Her running mate, Ghazala Hashmi, also made history — becoming the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the U.S. after winning the lieutenant governor’s race.
Spanberger’s campaign focused on economic stability, abortion rights, and protecting Virginia’s large federal workforce from disruptions caused by President Donald Trump’s administration. She criticized Trump’s tariffs, government cuts, and shutdowns while tying Earle-Sears to those policies.
Her moderate message and emphasis on kitchen-table issues helped her attract swing voters and continue Virginia’s long trend of electing a governor from the opposite party of the sitting president.
Earle-Sears, 61, who could have become the first Black woman governor in U.S. history, fell short despite Trump’s lukewarm endorsement.
With Democrats poised to maintain control of Virginia’s legislature, Spanberger could have a strong hand in pushing her agenda amid rising utility costs and economic uncertainty.
Her victory is seen as a blueprint for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms — focusing on economic competence and moderation rather than party ideology.
