(The Center Square) – Democrat Abigail Spanberger holds a 7-point lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, 46% to 39%, in Virginia’s 2025 governor’s race, according to a Roanoke College Poll released Tuesday.
Fourteen percent of likely voters remain undecided and 1% said they would back another candidate. The poll surveyed 702 Virginians between Aug. 11 and 15. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.30% among all respondents and 4.39% among likely voters.
In the lieutenant governor’s race, Democrat Ghazala Hashmi leads Republican John Reid 38% to 35%. In the attorney general’s contest, Democrat Jay Jones leads Republican incumbent Jason Miyares 41% to 38%.
Both races are within the margin of error according to the poll.
Three out of four, 76% of likely voters said they are very certain of their choice for governor. Another 21% are somewhat certain. Half described themselves as very enthusiastic about voting, while 34% said they are somewhat enthusiastic.
Inflation was named the top issue by 54% of likely voters, followed by crime at 11% and abortion at 7%. Smaller shares pointed to jobs at 6% and gun control at 4%.
Approval ratings showed President Donald Trump at 41%, Gov. Glenn Youngkin at 50%, Spanberger at 44% favorable and 38% unfavorable, and Earle-Sears at 36% favorable and 43% unfavorable.
When asked which party is better able to handle key issues, Democrats led on health care, education, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and the environment. Republicans were rated stronger on immigration, inflation, the debt and deficit, and taxes and spending.
Reid responded to the poll on social media, calling Hashmi’s advantage narrow and pledging Republicans would win despite what he described as dirty tricks. He attacked her record on school closures, mask mandates and early prison releases, writing that such judgment must not be rewarded.
Poll director Harry Wilson said the results show many Republicans have returned to support Earle-Sears since May, narrowing Spanberger’s advantage, though Democrats remain slightly more certain of their vote.
