Democrat Abigail Spanberger has been elected governor of Virginia, becoming the first woman to hold the office in the state’s history. The Associated Press projected her victory early on Wednesday after Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the November 4, 2025, election.

Spanberger, a former CIA case officer and U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, ran a campaign focused on economic issues, public service, and pragmatic governance. She emphasized affordability, job protection for federal workers, and bipartisan cooperation.

Her win also contributes to a strong night for Virginia Democrats: state Senator Ghazala Hashmi won the lieutenant governor’s race, becoming the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in U.S. history.

Spanberger will succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is barred by Virginia’s constitution from seeking consecutive terms.

In her victory address, Spanberger told supporters: “We sent a message to every corner of the commonwealth, a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country… we chose our commonwealth over chaos.”

Officials note that the result may impact national politics ahead of the 2026 midterms. Spanberger’s win in a state closely watched as a bellwether could energize the Democratic Party.