By Rachel Tillapaugh

(WSET) — Abigail Spanberger is officially up against Winsome Earle-Sears for the upcoming governor race.

This is the first time two women will be vying for the role.

Spanberger said she is excited to continue her campaign across the commonwealth and continue to hear from folks in every corner of the state.

“I’m excited that Virginia voters know who will be on their ballot in November 2025 for the governorship. I’m excited to be able to continue traveling across the commonwealth, introducing myself to voters, listening to Virginians talking about the issues that matter to people, making sure people know who I am, why I’m running, and how it is that I intend to serve them, and importantly, continuing to hear from Virginians about the issues that matter most and that are impacting their lives,” Spanberger said.

She said many issues are on the minds of voters right now.

These issues include things like high prices, education and affordable housing.

“I think it’s incumbent upon the governor of Virginia to stand up for Virginians. The governor needs to stand up for our state, certainly, particularly in the face of challenges from this administration, but our governor also needs to pursue policies that will strengthen public education. I think that Virginia has the opportunity to be a real leader in getting at the challenge of housing supply and affordability. And I think Virginians, broadly, everywhere I travel across the Commonwealth, understand that our current housing crisis, it wasn’t created, certainly in a month or even a year. It took years of under investment and under building to get us where we are today,” Spanberger said.

She said no matter who wins, history will be made.

“Right now, we know that however it results, we will make history here in the commonwealth. But it isn’t about me, and it isn’t about my opponent. It’s about Virginia. It’s about who is going to best serve the needs of Virginians,” Spanberger said.

Spanberger also highlighted her record of success as she looks to the future.

“I have a record of effectiveness in Congress, getting bills signed into law by President Trump on his first term, and President Biden. These bipartisan bills that have impacted people’s lives, and have impacted our fellow Virginians. As governor, I want to continue on that path of effectiveness, with my relentless work ethic and my devotion to Virginia,” Spanberger said.

ABC13 did reach out to Sears’ team about the upcoming race.

They did not get back to us.