Abigail Spanberger Defeats Winsome Earle-Sears to Become Virginia’s First Female Governor

Richmond, VA — Democrat Abigail Spanberger has won the Virginia governorship, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in a closely watched race that flips control of the state and delivers Democrats a crucial post-2024 victory. NBC News projects Spanberger as the winner, making her the first woman ever elected governor of Virginia.

The 47-year-old former congresswoman and CIA officer ran a campaign centered on economic stability, public safety, and abortion rights, while painting her opponent as an extension of Donald Trump’s divisive politics. Her victory in the blue-leaning state provides Democrats with a much-needed morale boost as they look to recover from their national losses last year.

Earle-Sears, 61, who served as lieutenant governor under Glenn Youngkin, struggled to define her campaign message. She sought to continue Youngkin’s conservative agenda—emphasizing “parents’ rights” in schools and private-sector growth—while also aligning herself with Trump, who hosted a last-minute tele-rally for GOP candidates but never mentioned her by name.

Spanberger’s campaign outpaced her opponent in both fundraising and polling, bolstered by appearances from high-profile Democrats and potential 2028 presidential contenders. She framed her campaign as a referendum on Republican dysfunction in Washington, especially after the October 1 federal government shutdown, which she blamed on Trump and the GOP’s chaos.

The race was not without turbulence. Spanberger faced scrutiny for her response to violent text messages from Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones, who suggested shooting a Republican lawmaker in 2022. While Spanberger condemned the messages, she declined to withdraw her endorsement, prompting heavy criticism from Republicans.

Despite last-minute controversies—including a Democratic-led redistricting effort that stirred accusations of partisanship—Spanberger’s steady, moderate appeal and focus on restoring competence to governance resonated with voters.

Her victory continues a Virginia political pattern: in 11 of the last 12 gubernatorial elections, the state has elected a governor from the party opposite the White House. With Spanberger’s win, Democrats regain a critical foothold in a key swing state and make history in the process.