With the nation’s eyes upon the two women competing to be Virginia’s next — and first — female governor, Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, won the 2025 ballot.
“We chose our Commonwealth over chaos,” Spanberger said in her winning speech.
Teetering on the edge of a final count, Spanberger is a clear winner with over 55% of the vote.
In her concession speech, Earle-Sears said she “can understand that victory to the Lord looks a lot different than what we think of as victory,” moving to thank her voters for believing in her.
Earle-Sears said her hope is for Spanberger to represent all Virginians, not just the ones who voted for her.
Closely following Spanberger’s victory, Democrat Mikie Sherrill was elected the governor of New Jersey.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani was also elected mayor of New York City.
Tonight’s three big elections — New York, New Jersey and Virginia — are overall reflective of a national opinion that democracy is under threat, wavering from a year of Republican power.
Virginia and New Jersey’s governor elections are exactly one year before the midterms and one year after the presidential election, making this race the first to signal a major shift in the implications of the Democratic Party and their ability to stand up to the Trump Administration come the 2026 midterms.
This election comes at the impasse of the longest government shutdown in America’s history, with many federal decisions up in the air.
A Democrat win marks a turning point in America’s choice to reject or accept the politics of the Trump Administration. Spanberger and Sherrill’s terms will set the example for the rest of the country in their pursuit of new democratic policies that resist MAGA conservatism.
As the current Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin leaves office and prepares for a possible 2028 presidential run, Spanberger will fill conservative shoes at a time of Virginia’s unsteady climate.
From DOGE cuts to economic imbalance, Virginia’s problems are further magnified this November by the government shutdown, furloughs, layoffs and freshly cut SNAP benefits.
To those disappointed in the outcome, Spanberger reassured, “Virginians that did not vote for me, I want you to know that my goal and my intent is to serve all Virginians. And that means I will listen to you, will work for you and with you.”
This means Spanberger will work to meet the needs of Virginians under the current power of the Trump Administration.
Spanberger’s campaign promises are in full swing come January. Her focus on “getting things done” for Virginia includes the intentions of increasing affordability, strengthening public schools, keeping communities safe and protecting fundamental rights, solidifying this promise in her Norfolk speech when she said she will always put Virginia over her party and president.
Spanberger’s road to the election was long and full of community outreach. Her last major campaign effort happened last week in Norfolk, where she appeared with former President Barack Obama and his ringing endorsement.
Earle-Sears sought a Trump endorsement for her campaign and she was met with Trump’s message to vote Republican, “up and down the ballot.”
As Spanberger closed out her speech, her final sentiment for Virginia said, “There is so much more that unites us as Virginians and Americans than divides us.”
Additional Election Results
Lieutenant Governor
Democrat Ghazala Hashmi is the Lieutenant Governor-elect of Virginia. Her victory makes history as she is the first Muslim woman to serve in statewide office anywhere in the country.
In her winning speech she addressed the importance of Inclusiveness and “Punching holes into darkness,” highlighting her plan of action and a path towards community.
Attorney General
Democrat Jay Jones is the Attorney General-elect of Virginia. Despite a public scandal involving leaked text messages of him fantasizing about the murder of a Republican state senator and his children, Jones won the race for Attorney General. He is the first black man to become Attorney General in the state of Virginia.
In his winning speech he thanked all the Virginians that did not give up on him and said “I will never stop fighting for you, I will fight for the rights of every Virginian” even adding later “I will protect our jobs, our healthcare, and our economy from the attacks of Donald Trump.”
House of Delegates
Democrat Alfonso Lopez won the 3rd House District after running unopposed.
Democrat Charniele Herring won the 4th House District after running unopposed.
Democrat Elizabeth Bennett-Parker won the 5th House District after running unopposed.
Commonwealth’s Attorney
Incumbent Bryan Porter won the seat of Commonwealth’s Attorney after running unopposed. The Commonwealth’s Attorney is a nonpartisan position.
Sheriff
Incumbent Sean Casey won the seat of Sheriff after running unopposed. The position of Sheriff of Alexandria is a nonpartisan position.
