(The Center Square) – The 2025 Virginia gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a competitive battle, with a crowded Republican primary and one major Democratic candidate.
On the Republican side, candidates include Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor; Amanda Chase, a former state senator; Dave LaRock, a former delegate; and Merle Rutledge, a perennial candidate.
The primary elections will begin June 17, 2025, with the general election set for Nov. 4, 2025.
Chase and LaRock are still gathering the required 10,000 signatures before the April 3 deadline, leaving their ballot status uncertain.
Earle-Sears, endorsed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited, secured her spot by submitting 19,000 signatures, while Spangberger qualified with over 40,000 signatures. Independent Andrew White is also in the race.
Fundraising reports show Spanberger leading with over $9.5 million raised and $6.5 million in cash on hand as of the last report. Earle-Sears follows with $2.5 million raised and $2.1 million in cash. Chase reported $25,291, while Rutledge has disclosed $126.
Aside from the financials, endorsements also play a key role in shaping the race.
Spanberger has secured support from the Virginia Department of Education Association, Clean Virginia, as well as other prominent Virginia political figures.
Amanda Chase received endorsement from former Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano, a strong Trump ally and former GOP gubernatorial nominee in Pennsylvania. Mastriano praised her as a defender of conservative values.
Recent Google trends show Spanberger leading in public interest with 77.5%, compared to Earle-Sears at 22.4%, and while the direct search interest doesn’t directly translate to votes, it reflects higher engagement with Spanberger’s campaign.
Candidates have also started to define their platforms as they prepare for the primary. LaRock is running on a strong immigration stance, vowing to end sanctuary policies, work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and create the VADOGE.
Spanberger’s campaign is focused on improving education, protecting jobs and lowering costs for Virginia families, while Earle-Sears has stayed consistent in her conservative policy stance.
Merle Rutledge, a Republican candidate for governor, in an email to The Center Square, likened his campaign to President Donald Trump’s, emphasizing gun rights, law and order, economic growth and a more conservative stance on social issues compared to Winsome Earle-Sears and Youngkin.
Polling and campaign messaging show that some of the top issues for Virginia voters in 2025 include:
Education: School funding, teacher salaries, curriculum policies and school choice.Economy and Jobs: Tax policies, job creation and small business support.Healthcare: Medicaid expansion, rural healthcare access and mental health resources.Public safety: Law enforcement funding, crime reduction strategies and gun control measures versus Second Amendment rights.Voting rights and Election Integrity: Early voting, absentee ballots and election security policies.Cost of Living: Housing affordability, taxes and inflation-related concerns.
Virginia has experienced a significant political shift over the last two decades, transitioning from a Republican stronghold to a battleground state and now leaning Democratic in statewide races. Northern Virginia and suburban areas around Richmond have shifted blue, while Hampton Roads and rural regions remain competitive.
