By Jen Psaki

With the 2024 presidential election behind us, it’s easy to overlook upcoming off-year races. But Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial election between Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears is shaping up to be a close fight with big consequences.

If elected, either candidate would make history: Both would be Virginia’s first female governor. And if Sears wins, she would be Virginia’s first woman of color to hold the office.

Spanberger, a former CIA operations officer, has years of experience in the intel community and a proven track record in Congress. She initially ran for office in 2018 to oppose the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, winning a tight race against Republican incumbent Dave Brat. Known for her moderate stances and bipartisan work, Spanberger has positioned herself as a strong advocate for health care, education and economic issues.

Sears, who served as the national chair for “Black Americans to Re-elect Donald Trump” in 2020, initially distanced herself from Trump after key Republican losses in the 2022 midterms. However, she endorsed him when he became the presumptive GOP nominee in 2024.

Current polls reflect a tight race, with Spanberger and Sears each receiving 39%. Although other candidates could enter the election before next year’s primary, these two lead as front-runners.