In a landmark victory for equality and pragmatic leadership, Democrat Abigail Spanberger has been elected Virginia’s 75th governor and its first woman. The former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in a decisive race called just 53 minutes after polls closed Tuesday night. At her celebration in Richmond, Spanberger declared, “We sent a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country. We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos.” Earle-Sears, whose campaign centered on anti-transgender attacks, including a misleading “they/them” ad, failed to connect with voters, as they are more concerned about the economy and education. LGBTQ+ advocates condemned the rhetoric as dangerous and divisive. After the election results, Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said, “Tonight, Virginia chose progress and inclusion for all.” Spanberger’s victory signals that compassion — not fear — defines Virginia’s future.
