RICHMOND, Va. — Recently, former Representative Abigail Spanberger made her first appearance since leaving Congress, this time within the Virginia House of Delegates. The three-term congresswoman, now a candidate for governor, mingled with Democratic colleagues and even held a baby, subtly signaling the importance of the upcoming statewide elections in Virginia.
“Shouldn’t you be out knocking on doors or something?” joked Democratic House Speaker Don Scott, as Spanberger cradled the infant nephew of one of her Democratic counterparts. The moment brought laughter among the political crowd.
Despite a general sense of fatigue among U.S. voters following the hectic 2024 election cycle, campaign preparations have already commenced in Virginia. This state will soon see elections for the governor’s office and all 100 House members, piquing interest in a closely observed race for the governorship. While Spanberger engaged with fellow Virginians in the Capitol, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears held a news conference nearby, promoting her own candidacy and characterizing the contest as a direct matchup between her and Spanberger.
This anticipated competition is projected by many impartial observers in Virginia and could usher in the state’s first female governor. Both candidates aim to succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is unable to run again due to term limits.
“My opponent claims she will leverage the successes of a Republican administration,” Earle-Sears remarked about Spanberger. “But why should we switch teams?”
Virginia, alongside New Jersey, uniquely holds statewide elections in the year following a presidential election, a format likely to invite scrutiny from political analysts nationwide. The off-year elections often serve as early indicators of voter preferences ahead of midterm contests. This is particularly significant in Virginia, which has alternated between Democratic and Republican candidates for its highest positions in recent years, especially with the current Republican leadership in Washington.
Both Earle-Sears and Spanberger are widely anticipated to be their party’s primary nominees come November, though alternatives like Democratic U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott are considering entering the June primary. On a recent visit to the statehouse, Scott also made his presence felt.
Initial financial support for the gubernatorial race is taking shape. Spanberger, who initiated her campaign in late 2023, is reported to have approximately $6.5 million in campaign funds according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Earle-Sears, who declared her candidacy in September, has raised over $2 million.
Despite the intensifying campaigns, voter engagement appears to be waning. A recent survey indicated that around 70% of Democrats and about 60% of Republicans are stepping away from political news, which mirrors the sentiments of many independents.
Undeterred by these statistics, both front-runners are actively working to secure support. Earle-Sears, a Marine veteran who immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica as a child, intends to build upon her achievements as lieutenant governor, aligning with the accomplishments of Youngkin’s conservative administration. Throughout January, she has been visible at the Capitol, engaging in press conferences, and championing “right to work” policies, a pivotal issue in her campaign. These laws prevent unions from mandating employee membership, thereby weakening organized labor’s influence.
“It’s rare for a lieutenant governor to delve into significant policy discussions,” endorsed by Virginia Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain, who emphasized Earle-Sears’s leadership qualities.
Spanberger, a former CIA operative unencumbered by congressional duties, is gaining momentum on the campaign trail, making appearances in Richmond and Southwestern Virginia over the past two weeks. She markets herself as a bipartisan leader, aiming to address the actual concerns of Virginia residents.
At a recent rally advocating for gun reform outside the statehouse, she emotionally recounted the impact of gun violence on communities across Virginia and the nation. Surrounded by activists bearing posters and wearing T-shirts honoring shooting victims, Spanberger highlighted the current administration’s rejections of bipartisan gun control measures.
“Our governor has vetoed numerous legislative efforts aimed at improving safety in our commonwealth,” Spanberger stated, criticizing Youngkin for blocking 30 Democratic firearm bills. With a pause as her supporters cheered, she proclaimed, “We need change. That’s why I’m running for governor.”
Nearby, Virginians clad in red rallied around Earle-Sears, who, if victorious, would not only be the first female governor but also the first Black woman to assume this role. In the lobby of the attorney general’s office, she expressed her support for legislation to restrict trans female athletes from competing on women’s sports teams, despite the bill’s anticipated failure in a Senate committee.
In her commitments, the lieutenant governor stood alongside Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares, portraying herself as a steadfast advocate for conservative principles while energizing the state’s Republican base.
“My approach is simple: Keep it straightforward and don’t complicate my life unnecessarily,” Earle-Sears declared, adding emphasis on the necessity for common sense in governance.
