(The Center Square) – Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger has won Virginia’s race for governor, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in one of the most closely watched elections of the year.
Several media outlets called the race for Spanberger as results showed her leading about 56.9% to 42.9% with 78% of total votes counted.
The victory makes Spanberger the first woman ever elected governor in Virginia’s history. She will succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin when she takes office in January.
The election comes as the nation remains in the middle of a federal government shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers across the commonwealth without pay. Virginia, home to one of the largest federal workforces in the country, has been among the states most directly affected.
“Tonight we sent a message to every corner of the Commonwealth, a message that in 2025 Virginians chose pragmatism over partisanship,” Spanberger told supporters during her victory speech. “We chose our Commonwealth over chaos.”
Spanberger said her campaign was built on listening to Virginians and focusing on practical results, not political fights. She told supporters her administration will work to lower costs, strengthen the economy, and keep communities safe.
She said her administration will focus on “lowering costs, keeping our communities safe, and strengthening our economy,” and promised to work “for every Virginian, regardless of political party.”
Spanberger also thanked her opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears, for a “hard-fought race,” noting her military service and asking supporters to “join me in wishing her and her family well.”
“I know in my heart that we can unite for Virginia’s future,” Spanberger said. “We can set an example for the rest of the nation.”
In her concession speech, Earle-Sears said she called Spanberger on election night but reached her voicemail. She said she left a message asking Spanberger to “represent all of us and not just some of us” and wished her success.
“If she is successful, Virginia will be successful,” Earle-Sears told supporters. “I asked her to support policies that will unite us, that will not divide us, that will strengthen our families and keep us safe. And if I can ever be of help doing that, I’m here, I’m ready to volunteer.”
Earle-Sears, Virginia’s lieutenant governor and a former member of the House of Delegates, campaigned on lowering taxes, expanding parental rights in schools, and reducing government spending.
Shortly after, media outlets called the lieutenant governor’s race for Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, who led Republican John Reid 53.7% to 46.1%.
Spanberger will take office in January.
