HENRICO, Va. — Today, more Virginia state and local leaders endorsed U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger to serve as the 75th Governor of Virginia.
These new endorsements reflect Spanberger’s appeal across the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as her demonstrated commitment to addressing the key issues facing Virginia’s communities.
The following Virginia elected officials today endorsed Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor:
Mary Sue Terry, Former Attorney General of Virginia
Anthony F. “Tony” Troy, Former Attorney General of Virginia
Former Sen. George L. Barker, Virginia Senate, District 39
Del. Laura Jane Cohen, Virginia House of Delegates, District 15
Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Richmond
John David Smith, Jr., Mayor of Winchester
Frankie Edmondson, MCR, Commissioner of the Revenue, Portsmouth
Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Sonia Vasquez Luna, Councilwoman, City of Manassas
Shaun Peet, Councilman, Town of Dumfries
Sammoto Dabney, Councilman, Town of Quantico
Mateo Dunne, Fairfax County School Board
Robyn Lady, Fairfax County School Board
Melanie Meren, Fairfax County School Board
Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Fairfax County School Board
Justin Wilk, Prince William County School Board
Nicole T. Cole, Spotsylvania County School Board
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ENDORSEMENT QUOTES
“It’s not often that you hear about a candidate for Governor who is a veteran of the CIA, especially a woman. I have been following Abigail Spanbergers’ career for several years. I have admired her backbone — the key to integrity — tenaciousness, and the capacity to fight for what’s important. It is important to keep Virginians safe, prioritize our public schools, and to grow our economy from Patrick County — which I confess I’m partial to — to Page County to Portsmouth and everywhere in between. I am thrilled that Abigail has decided to run for Governor. She will be great, and the Commonwealth needs her.” — Mary Sue Terry, Former Attorney General of Virginia
“As a former Attorney General of Virginia, I know that Abigail Spanberger has the experience and vision required to keep Virginians safe, protect Virginians’ rights, and build a stronger Commonwealth. She has a history of working with both parties to get things done — and that’s why I am proud to endorse Abigail to serve as Virginia’s next Governor. Her record of public service, her integrity, and her demonstrated commitment to Virginia families make her the right candidate at the right time to lead us forward.” — Anthony F. “Tony” Troy, Former Attorney General of Virginia
“Abigail Spanberger has a tremendous record of achievement, public service, and commitment to Virginia. She is the Governor Virginia needs, and I am proud to endorse her to move our Commonwealth forward. She will focus on building out our transportation infrastructure, lowering costs for working families, and making sure Virginia’s schools are the best in the country. She will be a Governor focused on getting things done for her fellow Virginians.” — Former Sen. George L. Barker, Virginia Senate District 39
“I’m honored to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as Governor of Virginia. She is a determined leader who will always put the needs of Virginians first. Abigail will focus on our shared future as a Commonwealth by supporting our public schools, ensuring the success of each and every student, and protecting Virginia’s working families. She will defend the rights of all Virginians, including our reproductive freedoms. And as a fellow mom, I know that she will work tirelessly to keep our children safe from gun violence. I look forward to working with Abigail and I know that, together, we will set an example of dedicated, public service for the next generation.” — Del. Laura Jane Cohen, Virginia House of Delegates, District 15
“I’m proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor — because she has the vision, knowledge, and decision-making skills necessary to make a positive difference for all communities in our Commonwealth. I know that Abigail is a leader who possesses integrity, a true dedication to public service, and an unwavering commitment to getting things done. As Governor, Abigail will focus on improving public safety, investing in our schools, and making Virginia stronger for us now and for future generations.” — Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Richmond
“As a longtime leader in the Winchester community, I am proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor. I know that she cares deeply about the needs of our hardworking families, students, and small business owners. She is mission-oriented and is committed to getting results — and I look forward to working with her to grow our local economy, keep our neighborhoods safe, and increase job opportunities for the next generation of Virginians.” — John David Smith, Jr., Mayor of Winchester
“Abigail Spanberger is the Governor that Portsmouth, Hampton Roads, and all of Virginia needs — because she knows how to get things done through her commonsense leadership style. She will deliver results for our communities, be responsive to taxpayers, and prioritize public safety, education, and our physical infrastructure. Above all, Abigail will bring people together to make progress for the Virginia we all call home. I’m proud to endorse her to serve as our next Governor.” — Frankie Edmondson, MCR, Commissioner of the Revenue, Portsmouth
“Abigail Spanberger will always do what is right for Virginia — and I’m proud to endorse her to serve as our next Governor. As a lifelong community leader, I’m looking forward to working with Abigail to address our region’s challenges related to affordable housing, transportation access, the high cost of living, and more. I also know that Abigail’s results-oriented leadership makes her the right choice to help our region seize tomorrow’s opportunities through investments in our workforce, our schools, and our businesses. She will be a strong partner for Fairfax County and all Virginians.” — Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
“Fairfax County deserves a Governor who will listen to all of our communities, focus on the needs of working families, and prioritize responsible investments in our schools, our transportation infrastructure, and more. I know that Abigail Spanberger will be a Governor who will build a stronger Virginia with opportunity and prosperity accessible to everyone — and I know that she will never stop working to protect our rights, including reproductive rights. I am proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as our next Governor.” — Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
“Abigail Spanberger will make history as our next Governor, and I am proud to endorse her. In Congress, she has been a champion for union labor rights and Virginia’s workforce. I have seen her work tirelessly to lower costs for our families and our seniors. As Governor, she will lead with all of us in mind — and she will make sure that Manassas has a voice in our state government. As the first Latina elected to the Manassas City Council in 150 years, I believe in her message of inclusion, results, and optimism towards building a strong future for all Virginians.” — Sonia Vasquez Luna, Councilwoman, City of Manassas
“Currently serving on the Town of Dumfries Town Council, I have had a chance to witness Abigail Spanberger’s unwavering dedication, record of public service, and her sincere commitment to the well-being of families and communities in Virginia. She consistently prioritizes the needs of others, striving to ensure that every individual has a chance for success. Abigail’s ability to bring out the best in Virginians is more than remarkable, and I take great pride — and honor — in endorsing our U.S. Virginia Representative Abigail Spanberger as the ideal candidate to lead the Commonwealth of Virginia as the next Governor. Abigail Spanberger is Virginia.” — Shaun Peet, Councilman, Town of Dumfries
“Abigail Spanberger has the drive, determination, and ability to bring people together that we need in Richmond — and I’m proud to endorse her to serve as Virginia’s next Governor. As a local leader in Quantico, I know that Abigail is trustworthy and will always follow through on her word, because she cares about our communities. She will focus on growing our economy, supporting our schools, and taking care of our veterans.”
— Sammoto Dabney, Councilman, Town of Quantico
“Abigail Spanberger cares about the future of Virginia’s families, schools, and communities — and I am honored to endorse her to serve as our next Governor. She has devoted her life to public service, and she has a reputation for bringing people together to get things done for Virginia. I look forward to working with her to strengthen our public schools and ensure every child receives a world-class education.” — Mateo Dunne, Fairfax County School Board
“As an education professional and parent, I trust Abigail Spanberger to support all of Virginia’s students, teachers, and schools. I know that Abigail Spanberger cares deeply about both building strong career opportunities for our students and addressing the mental health and learning challenges faced by Virginia’s kids. That’s why she is my choice to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.” — Robyn Lady, Fairfax County School Board
“As Virginia’s next governor, Abigail Spanberger will be an actual statewide leader who expands prosperity, safety, and excellence in all corners of the Commonwealth. For our students, families, and public schools to be successful, the next governor must put aside toxic politics and get to work — especially to correct the chronic underfunding of public schools that has held Virginia’s students back for decades. Abigail Spanberger works hard, and knows what it’s like to raise a family in Virginia. No more politics — just leadership for Virginia. Abigail is our clear choice for Virginia’s future.” — Melanie Meren, Fairfax County School Board
“Fairfax County has a diverse population of students and families — and I know that Abigail Spanberger has their best interests at heart. As a mom of three students herself, I’m confident that she will prioritize supporting our hardworking teachers, providing resources to parents and robust funding to public schools, and building stronger pathways toward future career and life success for all students. That’s why I’m honored to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor.” — Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Fairfax County School Board
“I am confident that Abigail Spanberger will prioritize the success of our students, and I am proud to provide my early endorsement, as she stands out as the best candidate for the future of public education in Virginia. Prince William County parents and teachers know firsthand that Abigail is a leader who is focused on strengthening our schools and keeping our kids safe — and our community knows we will always have a champion fighting for the needs of our families in Abigail Spanberger. As Governor, she will invest in our schools, stop the political games, and focus on getting real results.” — Justin Wilk, Prince William County School Board
“Spotsylvania knows that Abigail Spanberger delivers results, leads with empathy, and puts in the hard work to make a difference. Like me, Abigail believes that the most important investments we make are our investments in our students and our families. As our next Governor, she will make sure that all students have access to opportunity, every teacher has the support they deserve, and all families can be confident that their children are safe. As a parent and community leader, I am proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger — because she will make our children’s future our top priority.” — Nicole T. Cole, Spotsylvania County School Board
Spanberger thanked these Virginia leaders for their early support of her campaign.
“These current and former officials represent decades upon decades of committed service to Virginia. This campaign is bringing people together to make real progress for our neighbors across the Commonwealth — from growing our economy to protecting our rights to making strong investments in our schools and our students,” said Spanberger. “I’m deeply grateful for their early support, and I look forward to working with them to get things done for the Virginians we serve.”
FULL ENDORSEMENT LIST
Since the launch of Spanberger’s campaign in November 2023, the following Virginia officials have now endorsed her to serve as Virginia’s next Governor:
Gov. Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)
U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10)
U.S. Rep. Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (VA-11)
Former U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (VA-02)
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (VA-05)
Former U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher (VA-09)
Mary Sue Terry, Former Attorney General of Virginia
Anthony F. “Tony” Troy, Former Attorney General of Virginia
Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, Virginia Senate, District 16
Sen. Adam Ebbin, Virginia Senate, District 30
Sen. Barbara Favola, Virginia Senate, District 31
Sen. Stella Pekarsky, Virginia Senate, District 36
Former Sen. George L. Barker, Virginia Senate, District 39
Del. Richard C. “Rip” Sullivan Jr., Virginia House of Delegates, District 6
Del. Irene Shin, Virginia House of Delegates, District 8
Del. Karrie Delaney, Virginia House of Delegates, District 9
Del. Laura Jane Cohen, Virginia House of Delegates, District 15
Del. Paul Krizek, Virginia House of Delegates, District 16
Del. Mark D. Sickles, Virginia House of Delegates, District 17
Del. Josh Thomas, Virginia House of Delegates, District 21
Del. Fernando “Marty” Martinez, Virginia House of Delegates, District 29
Former Del. Kathleen Murphy, Virginia House of Delegates, District 34
Former Del. Mark Keam, Virginia House of Delegates, District 35
Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Virginia House of Delegates, District 45
Former Del. Sally Hudson, Virginia House of Delegates, District 57
Del. Rodney Willett, Virginia House of Delegates, District 58
Del. Joshua Cole, Virginia House of Delegates, District 65
Del. Betsy B. Carr, Virginia House of Delegates, District 78
Daun Hester, Treasurer, City of Norfolk; former Member of the Virginia House of Delegates, District 89
Leslie Hager-Smith, Mayor of Blacksburg
Frank Reaves, Jr., Mayor of Culpeper
Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Mayor of Fredericksburg
Michelle Davis-Younger, Mayor of Manassas City
Earnie Porta, Mayor of Occoquan
John David Smith, Jr., Mayor of Winchester
Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Richmond
Joseph D. Platania, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Charlottesville
Martin A. Thomas, Jr., Vice-Mayor, City of Norfolk
Monaé Nickerson, Vice-Mayor, Town of Dumfries
Matt de Ferranti, Arlington County Board
Jay Fisette, Former Chair, Arlington County Board
Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Dr. Pamela Yeung, Chairwoman, Stafford County Board of Supervisors
Dr. Deborah Frazier, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors
Victor Angry, Prince William County Board of Supervisors
Sara Bohn, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors
Sonia Vasquez Luna, Councilwoman, City of Manassas
Jannan Holmes, Councilwoman, Fredericksburg City Council
Courtney R. Doyle, Councilwoman, Norfolk City Council
Danica J. Royster, Councilwoman, Norfolk City Council
Thomas R. Smigiel Jr., Councilman, Norfolk City Council
Jamie Clancey, LCSW, Councilwoman, Culpeper Town Council
Brian K. Fields, Councilman, Dumfries Town Council
Selonia Miles, Chair Pro Tem & Councilwoman, Dumfries Town Council
Shaun Peet, Councilman, Dumfries Town Council
R. Kirk McPike, Councilman, Alexandria City Council
Susan Mattingly, Councilwoman, Blacksburg Town Council
Jerry R. Ford, Jr., Councilman, Blacksburg Town Council
Sammoto Dabney, Councilman, Quantico Town Council
Tiffany Boyle, Commissioner of the Revenue, Newport News
Todd D. Divers, Commissioner of the Revenue, Charlottesville
Phil Kellam, Commissioner of the Revenue, Virginia Beach
Tom Clinton, Commissioner of the Revenue, Falls Church
Frankie Edmondson, MCR, Commissioner of the Revenue, Portsmouth
Maggie Ragon, Commissioner of the Revenue, Staunton
Doug Mullins, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue, Wise County
Stacey Kincaid, Sheriff, Fairfax County
Joseph “Joe” Baron, Sheriff, City of Norfolk
Elaine Tholen, Chair, Fairfax County School Board
Karl Frisch, Vice Chair, Fairfax County School Board
Ilryong Moon, Fairfax County School Board
Kyle McDaniel, Fairfax County School Board
Mateo Dunne, Fairfax County School Board
Robyn Lady, Fairfax County School Board
Melanie Meren, Fairfax County School Board
Dot Heffron, Chair, Chesterfield County School Board
Justin Wilk, Prince William County School Board
Nicole T. Cole, Spotsylvania County School Board
Baron Braswell, Former Member, Spotsylvania County School Board
Amanda Pohl, Clerk of Court, Chesterfield County
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