Democrat Abigail Spanberger wins Virginia governor's race, CBS News projects

Published: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 1:06 am

Spanberger Triumphs in Virginia Gubernatorial Race, Marking Democratic Victory

In a significant win for the Democratic Party, Abigail Spanberger has been projected to win the Virginia gubernatorial race, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it comes after a period of challenges for the Democrats, including the 2024 presidential election loss. Spanberger's win also makes her the first female governor of Virginia.

The race was heavily influenced by national political issues, particularly the impact of federal layoffs and the government shutdown, which resonated strongly in Virginia due to its large federal workforce and military presence. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and congresswoman, strategically positioned herself as an opponent of the Trump administration, aiming to capitalize on public frustration with the administration's policies.

While Virginia has trended leftward in recent years, the Republican Party saw a boost in the 2024 presidential election. However, the current president's approval rating in Virginia is at 45%, potentially impacting the Republican candidate.

The campaign also faced challenges, including a controversy surrounding the Democratic nominee for attorney general. Spanberger condemned the language used, but Earle-Sears pressed her to call for the nominee to withdraw. Spanberger received support from prominent Democrats, while Earle-Sears drew on support from the current governor. The Republican candidate did not receive an explicit endorsement from the President, although he expressed support for her.

BNN's Perspective: This victory offers a glimmer of hope for Democrats, demonstrating that they can still win in key states. However, the close race and the ongoing internal divisions within the party highlight the need for Democrats to address their strategic challenges and reconnect with voters. The focus on national issues in this race underscores the interconnectedness of state and federal politics.

Keywords: Abigail Spanberger, Virginia governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, Democratic victory, Republican, Trump administration, federal layoffs, government shutdown, Virginia politics, election results, political strategy.

Full Story