U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat from Virginia, has announced her intention to run for governor in 2025. Spanberger, a three-term Democrat, will not seek reelection to the U.S. House next year, focusing instead on her gubernatorial campaign. She is the first candidate from either party to formally enter the race.
Spanberger's campaign emphasizes several key issues, including lowering prescription drug prices, growing the middle class, easing inflation, recruiting and retaining teachers, and protecting women's reproductive rights. She also highlighted her commitment to bipartisan work, particularly on veterans' issues, small businesses, and addiction. In her campaign announcement, she subtly criticized current Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's stance on abortion restrictions.
Other potential gubernatorial candidates include Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a Democrat, and Republicans Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Stoney, who has never run for office outside the city, plans to enter the race by the end of the year. Observers note the early entrances likely reflect the rising cost of gubernatorial races in Virginia.
Spanberger, a former CIA officer, has at times clashed with her party's leadership and left flank. She has a record of challenging Democratic leadership from her own party. In her gubernatorial campaign announcement video, she criticized Republicans over abortion and 'banning books.'
The race is still two years away, but Spanberger and Stoney's early announcements set the stage for a potentially competitive race. Spanberger is currently the early favorite, according to observers.