Earle-Sears, Spanberger in Historic Virginia Governor Race

Virginia's gubernatorial race is set to make history as Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger secure their respective Republican and Democratic nominations. Earle-Sears is the first Black woman to become the Republican nominee for governor in Virginia, and the election will ensure the state elects a female governor for the first time. Earle-Sears clinched the nomination after her opponents failed to gather the required signatures, while Spanberger was the sole candidate to file for the Democratic side with her signatures already verified. The gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, and is expected to draw nationwide attention as Virginia is one of the few states holding elections the year following a presidential election.