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Jun 03, 2024

NEW: More Virginia Leaders Endorse Abigail Spanberger for Governor of Virginia

More than 25 Current & Former Virginia Officials Today Added their Support to the Congresswoman’s Campaign to Serve as Virginia’s 75th Governor

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. – More Virginia leaders today endorsed U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger to serve as the 75th Governor of Virginia — demonstrating continued momentum ahead of 2025. 

Today’s endorsements reflect the broad coalition of support Spanberger is building across the Commonwealth, both in the halls of the General Assembly and on the ground in Virginia’s communities.

Additionally, the support of these current and former elected officials underscores the appeal of Spanberger’s message of responding to the challenges facing Virginians — including supporting Virginia’s public schools, keeping Virginia’s communities safe, lowering costs for Virginia families, and defending the fundamental rights of all Virginians.

The following current and former elected officials TODAY endorsed Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor:

Sen. Scott Surovell, Senate Majority Leader, Virginia Senate

Dick Saslaw, former Senate Majority Leader, Virginia Senate

Sen. Lashrecse Aird, Virginia Senate, District 13

Sen. Jeremy McPike, Virginia Senate, District 29

Del. Patrick Hope, Virginia House of Delegates, District 1

Del. David Bulova, Virginia House of Delegates, District 11

Del. Holly Seibold, Virginia House of Delegates, District 12

Del. Vivian Watts, Virginia House of Delegates, District 14

Del. Kannan Srinivasan, Virginia House of Delegates, District 26

Del. Nadarius Clark, Virginia House of Delegates, District 84

Del. Phil Hernandez, Virginia House of Delegates,  District 94

Del. Alex Askew, Virginia House of Delegates, District 95

Del. Michael Feggans, Virginia House of Delegates, District 97

Brian Moran, former Virginia Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security; Former Member, Virginia House of Delegates

Tyrone E. Nelson, Chair, Henrico County Board of Supervisors

Walter Alcorn, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Rodney L. Lusk, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Mary W. Biggs, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

April N. DeMotts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

Alonzo Jones, Mayor, Danville

Neal Osborne, Former Mayor, Bristol

Chuck Frye Jr., Vice Mayor, Fredericksburg

Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor, Roanoke

Billy M. Bates, Fairfax City Council

Madison Irving, Henrico County School Board

ENDORSEMENT QUOTES

“Abigail Spanberger is the decisive public servant Virginia needs, and I’m proud to endorse her to serve as our 75th Governor. Under her leadership, the Commonwealth will have a Governor who actually works with our Democratic majority to get things done for the Virginians we serve. She will prioritize progress over the endless campaigning and partisanship that we see out of the Governor’s Mansion today. Abigail will join with General Assembly Democrats to focus on priorities that unite Virginians like closing the multi-billion dollar funding gap in public K-12 and higher education, protecting reproductive rights, preventing gun violence, and making Virginia more affordable for working families. With Abigail as Governor, I’m confident that we will see a stronger and safer Virginia.” — Sen. Scott Surovell, Senate Majority Leader, Virginia Senate

“Abigail Spanberger gets things done, and I’m proud to endorse her. She has never wavered in fighting for her principles, listening to the concerns of Virginians, and bringing both parties together to do what is best for the Commonwealth. That’s the leadership we need serving the people of Virginia in Richmond. Her focus on schools, safety, and more economic opportunity for all Virginians will make sure we are the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.” — Dick Saslaw, former Senate Majority Leader, Virginia Senate

“Before any elected title, I’m a working mom, and I know firsthand the real challenges facing Virginia’s families. I join them in believing our next Governor must deliver real results for our communities — and the only leader to trust with this goal in mind is Abigail Spanberger. So much feels out of reach for Virginians, whether it’s access to a livable wage, owning a home, living in a safe community, and, particularly, affording quality healthcare. Abigail Spanberger has been in the trenches for Virginians, and her passion and determination reflect a record of putting people first. I’m proud to endorse Abigail to serve as our next Governor, because, during unprecedented times such as these, I know she has a vision that will uplift all of our communities and lessen the burdens felt by working families.”  Sen. Lashrecse Aird, Virginia Senate, District 13

“Abigail truly connects with people, and she understands the challenges Virginians face every single day. In Congress, she has focused on investing in our infrastructure, lowering drug costs, and providing more mental health services to the Virginians who need them. I’ve seen her drive, devotion to public service, and empathy firsthand. As our next Governor, Abigail will deliver results for our schools, for the safety of our communities, and for our economy. I’m proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s next Governor.”  Sen. Jeremy McPike, Virginia Senate, District 29

“As a Virginian who served in the cabinets of our two previous Democratic Governors, I am proud to announce my endorsement of Abigail Spanberger to serve as our Commonwealth’s next Governor. She has the experience, the determination, and the deep sense of public service required to effectively get things done for Virginia. Abigail Spanberger will always put the safety, security, and prosperity of Virginia families first.”  Brian Moran, former Virginia Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security; Former Member, Virginia House of Delegates

“Virginia needs a Governor who will address our longstanding transportation issues, pay our teachers what they deserve, lower costs for working families, and protect the rights of all Virginians. I’m confident that Abigail Spanberger is the right leader at the right moment to deliver on these critical priorities. After November 2025, I’m looking forward to working with her in Richmond to respond to the needs of the Virginians I serve.”  Del. Patrick Hope, Virginia House of Delegates, District 1

“Abigail Spanberger knows how to bring people together, and she has a record of getting things done. She inspires Virginians to rise above division and do the right thing for the Commonwealth we all call home. I am especially grateful for her strong, bipartisan leadership to restore the Chesapeake Bay and to make Virginia more resilient to the impacts of climate change. That’s the kind of leadership and vision we need in our next Governor.” — Del. David Bulova, Virginia House of Delegates, District 11

“Abigail is dedicated to strengthening our schools, supporting our small businesses, defending our reproductive rights, and keeping our kids safe — and that’s the leadership we need in our next Governor. As a fellow mom, I know that Abigail Spanberger understands the importance of investing in our public schools. And as a former public school teacher, I am ready to serve with a Governor who understands the tremendous value and hard work our educators bring to the classroom every single day. As Governor, Abigail will get things done for Northern Virginia and the entire Commonwealth — and I’m proud to endorse her.” — Del. Holly Seibold, Virginia House of Delegates, District 12

“Virginia needs a Governor who will stand up for families, work together with Democrats in the General Assembly, and protect the rights of all Virginians. I know that Abigail Spanberger will not only deliver results for our Commonwealth, but is committed to moving Virginia’s economy, schools, and communities forward. That’s why I’m proud to endorse her to serve as our 75th Governor.” — Del. Vivian Watts, Virginia House of Delegates, District 14

“As Governor, Abigail will protect the gains that Democrats have made for the people of Virginia. She has my strong endorsement, because she will be a Governor who works with the General Assembly to lower healthcare costs for families, protect abortion rights, and create more economic opportunities for Loudoun County and all of Virginia. And as the proud son of school teachers, I know that Abigail shares my core belief in the value and importance of public education.”  Del. Kannan Srinivasan, Virginia House of Delegates, District 26

“Abigail Spanberger leads with actions, not just words. Her track record in Congress and her career of public service demonstrate that she cares about getting results. She has always been a champion for gun violence prevention, a defender of our fundamental rights, and someone who knows that the success of our public schools determines the success of our Commonwealth. I’m ready to work with Abigail to get things done for our youth and for Hampton Roads, and I can’t wait to serve with a Governor who truly puts the people first.”  Del. Nadarius Clark, Virginia House of Delegates, District 84

“I’m supporting Abigail Spanberger for Governor, because I know she’ll champion policies that protect reproductive freedom, strengthen our democracy, support public education, and help everyday families succeed. Virginia stands at a crossroads — and Abigail is the right leader at the right time.” — Del. Phil Hernandez, Virginia House of Delegates,  District 94

“Abigail Spanberger is a proven leader who truly cares about the future of our Commonwealth — whether it’s Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or anywhere else in Virginia. In recent years, we’ve made tremendous progress for Virginians, but we need a Governor who is committed to protecting that progress and moving us forward. As Governor, Abigail will defend our fundamental freedoms. She will grow our economy in a way that improves the lives of working families across Hampton Roads. And she will stand up to attacks on our public schools. That’s why I’m endorsing Abigail for Governor.”  Del. Alex Askew, Virginia House of Delegates, District 95

“Abigail has always lived a life of public service — whether in service to her community, her Commonwealth, or her country. I strongly endorse her to serve as Virginia’s next Governor. As a veteran, I know that Abigail will always have the backs of our active-duty servicemembers, our veterans, and our military families. And as a legislator, I know that we will have a reliable partner in the Governor’s Mansion who will defend women’s rights, expand the middle class, and invest in our public schools and our teachers. She is a true leader.” — Del. Michael Feggans, Virginia House of Delegates, District 97

“For several years, Henrico County saw firsthand how Abigail Spanberger responded to the needs of our community with energy and vigor. She brought the voices of our neighbors to the decision-making table, and she delivered tangible results — from investments in infrastructure to more resources to prevent addiction. That’s why I know that Abigail will be an effective Governor who will prioritize policies that make a difference in the daily lives of Virginians.” — Tyrone E. Nelson, Chair, Henrico County Board of Supervisors

“Abigail Spanberger knows what Virginia and Virginians need, which is why I’m proud to endorse her to serve as our next Governor. Here in Fairfax County, we need a Governor who cares about supporting our schools, increasing funding for mental health services, and creating more affordable housing for our residents. I am confident that Abigail will be a Governor who delivers real progress on these priorities for our entire Commonwealth.”  Walter Alcorn, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

“As a former county employee and current Member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I know what it takes to keep our government running and make sure it’s serving the best interests of the people. I know that Abigail Spanberger understands what it means to be effective, as well. As our next Governor, she will work to address affordable housing challenges, workforce development needs, and ongoing challenges related to public safety and gun violence. Abigail has my endorsement and my support to serve as the next chief executive of the Commonwealth.” — Rodney L. Lusk, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

“Abigail Spanberger has built a reputation for working with federal, state, and local officials to find common ground and deliver results on our shared priorities. I’m honored to endorse Abigail to serve as Virginia’s next Governor, because I know that she cares about the future of our economy, our schools, our students, and our families. She is the right choice with the right experience to serve us as the future Governor of our Commonwealth.”  Mary W. Biggs, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

“Abigail Spanberger has a vision for a stronger Virginia with more opportunity for Virginia families, and that’s why I’m proud to support her to serve as our next Governor. Here in Montgomery County, we benefit best from a strong working relationship with our state officials. As our partner in Richmond, Abigail Spanberger will prioritize our infrastructure and natural resources, our schools, and the safety of our community.” — April N. DeMotts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

“Abigail Spanberger is the leader Virginia needs to address the many challenges facing our county, our region, and our Commonwealth. She understands what it means to serve her community and her country. Abigail is pragmatic, always focusing on practical solutions that benefit the people she serves. It’s never about her. That’s the type of leadership and focus we need in our next Governor to move Virginia forward, and I’m honored to endorse her.” — Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

“Abigail Spanberger is already putting in the hard work to get to know our communities and learn more about Danville’s priorities. She knows that an effective Governor takes into account the perspectives of all corners of Virginia — and then gets to work on day one. Once she’s elected, I know she will prioritize working with both parties to support our schools, keep our community members safe, and increase economic opportunities for our residents. I am proud to endorse her to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.”  Alonzo Jones, Mayor, Danville

“Communities like Bristol need a Governor in Richmond who will not only hear our concerns, listen to our needs, and make promises, but will also follow through on them. I’m happy to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as the next Governor of Virginia, because she has a demonstrated record of delivering for all of her constituents and responding to the unique challenges facing Virginia’s smaller communities and rural areas. Abigail will work directly with local officials to find solutions that work for Southwest Virginia’s challenges — from growing our economy to keeping our public schools strong.” — Neal Osborne, Former Mayor, Bristol

“Abigail Spanberger is a leader who listens to the people, and that’s why she understands the challenges that Virginia families and Virginia workers are facing on a daily basis. She doesn’t just claim to support the labor community — she proves it every day through her work in Congress. As our next Governor, Abigail will have our backs. As a Teamsters Union member for more than 20 years, I’m proud to endorse a true champion of Fredericksburg’s economy and the workers that power it.” — Chuck Frye Jr., Vice Mayor, Fredericksburg

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Abigail and to share Roanoke’s perspective on the issues facing our community. She gets it. She knows that these times require Virginians to work together, at all levels of government, to address our shared challenges. As Governor, Abigail will focus on strong schools, reliable transportation infrastructure, and community safety. That’s why I’m honored to endorse her to serve as Virginia’s next Governor.”  Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor, Roanoke

“I’m excited and proud to announce my endorsement of Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger to serve as our next Governor. In Congress, she has demonstrated a clear commitment to the Virginians she serves — and as Governor, she will do the same. She is the right choice for the City of Fairfax’s students, families, and small businesses at a time when we need steady leadership, not division and vitriol, more than ever before.”  Billy M. Bates, Fairfax City Council

“Henrico County residents know very well that Abigail Spanberger is relentlessly focused on listening to Virginians, addressing their challenges, and getting things done. That’s a reputation she has earned through hard work. When it comes to supporting our schools, I am confident that Abigail will be a reliable partner who’ll always strive to do what is best for our students, parents, and community members. I’m proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as our next Governor.” — Madison Irving, Henrico County School Board

FULL ENDORSEMENT LIST

Since the launch of her campaign in November 2023, the following Virginia officials have now endorsed Spanberger 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. Scott Surovell, Senate Majority Leader, Virginia Senate

Dick Saslaw, Former Senate Majority Leader, Virginia Senate

Sen. Lashrecse Aird, Virginia Senate, District 13

Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, Virginia Senate, District 16

Sen. Jeremy McPike, Virginia Senate, District 29

Sen. Russet Perry, Virginia Senate, District 31

Sen. Stella Pekarsky, Virginia Senate, District 36

Sen. Adam Ebbin, Virginia Senate, District 39

Sen. Barbara Favola, Virginia Senate, District 40

Former Sen. Monty Mason, Virginia Senate, District 1

Former Sen. George L. Barker, Virginia Senate, District 39

Del. Patrick Hope, Virginia House of Delegates, District 1

Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Virginia House of Delegates, District 5

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. David Bulova, Virginia House of Delegates, District 11

Del. Holly Seibold, Virginia House of Delegates, District 12

Del. Vivian Watts, Virginia House of Delegates, District 14

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. Kannan Srinivasan, Virginia House of Delegates, District 26

Del. Atoosa Reaser, Virginia House of Delegates, District 27

Del. Fernando “Marty” Martinez, Virginia House of Delegates, District 29

Del. Marcus Simon, Virginia House of Delegates, District 53

Del. Rodney Willett, Virginia House of Delegates, District 58

Del. Joshua Cole, Virginia House of Delegates, District 65

Del. Debra Gardner, Virginia House of Delegates, District 76

Del. Betsy B. Carr, Virginia House of Delegates, District 78

Del. Nadarius Clark, Virginia House of Delegates, District 84

Del. Phil Hernandez, Virginia House of Delegates,  District 94

Del. Alex Askew, Virginia House of Delegates, District 95

Del. Michael Feggans, Virginia House of Delegates, District 97

Ward Armstrong, former Minority Leader, Virginia House of Delegates

Former Del. Kathleen Murphy, Virginia House of Delegates, District 34

Former Del. Mark Keam, Virginia House of Delegates, District 35

Former Del. Sally Hudson, Virginia House of Delegates, District 57

Former Del. Mike Mullin, Virginia House of Delegates, District 93

Brian Moran, former Virginia Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security; Former Member, Virginia House of Delegates

Viola O. Baskerville, former Virginia Secretary of Administration; Former Member, Virginia House of Delegates

Daun Hester, Treasurer, City of Norfolk; former Member, Virginia House of Delegates

Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Richmond

Joseph D. Platania, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Charlottesville

Leslie Hager-Smith, Mayor, Blacksburg

Frank Reaves, Jr., Mayor, Culpeper

Alonzo Jones, Mayor, Danville

Michelle Davis-Younger, Mayor, Manassas City

Earnie Porta, Mayor, Occoquan

John David Smith, Jr., Mayor, Winchester

Neal Osborne, Former Mayor, Bristol

Mary Katherine Greenlaw, former Mayor, Fredericksburg

Treney Tweedy, former Mayor, Lynchburg

Chuck Frye Jr., Vice Mayor, Fredericksburg

Martin A. Thomas, Jr., Vice Mayor, Norfolk

Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor, Roanoke

Michael Sutphin, Vice Mayor, Blacksburg

Monaé Nickerson, Vice Mayor, Dumfries

Takis Karantonis, Vice Chair, Arlington County Board

Matt de Ferranti, Arlington County Board

Jay Fisette, Former Chair, Arlington County Board

Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Walter Alcorn, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Jimmy Bierman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Andres Jimenez, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Rodney L. Lusk, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Dalia Palchik, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors 

James Walkinshaw, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Tyrone E. Nelson, Chair, Henrico County Board of Supervisors

Juli E. Briskman, Vice Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

Mary W. Biggs, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

Sara Bohn, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

April N. DeMotts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors

Dr. Pamela Yeung, Stafford County Board of Supervisors

Dr. Deborah Frazier, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors

Victor Angry, Prince William County Board of Supervisors

R. Kirk McPike, Alexandria City Council

Billy M. Bates, Fairfax City Council 

Jannan Holmes, Fredericksburg City Council

Sonia Vasquez Luna, Manassas City Council

Courtney R. Doyle, Norfolk City Council

Danica J. Royster, Norfolk City Council

Thomas R. Smigiel Jr., Norfolk City Council 

Luke Priddy, Roanoke City Council

Susan Anderson, Blacksburg Town Council

Jerry R. Ford, Jr., Blacksburg Town Council

Susan Mattingly, Blacksburg Town Council

Jamie Clancey, LCSW, Culpeper Town Council

Selonia Miles, Chair Pro Tem, Dumfries Town Council

Brian K. Fields, Dumfries Town Council

Shaun Peet, Dumfries Town Council

Sammoto Dabney, Quantico Town Council

Todd D. Divers, Commissioner of the Revenue, Charlottesville

Jenefer Hughes, Commissioner of the Revenue, Chesterfield County

Tom Clinton, Commissioner of the Revenue, Falls Church

Tiffany Boyle, Commissioner of the Revenue, Newport News

Frankie Edmondson, MCR, Commissioner of the Revenue, Portsmouth 

Maggie Ragon, Commissioner of the Revenue, Staunton

Phil Kellam, Commissioner of the Revenue, Virginia Beach

Doug Mullins, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue, Wise County

Stacey Kincaid, Sheriff, Fairfax County

Joseph “Joe” Baron, Sheriff, City of Norfolk

Karl Frisch, Chair, Fairfax County School Board

Melanie Meren, Vice Chair, Fairfax County School Board

Robyn Lady, Fairfax County School Board

Mateo Dunne, Fairfax County School Board

Kyle McDaniel, Fairfax County School Board

Ilryong Moon, Fairfax County School Board

Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Fairfax County School Board

Elaine Tholen, former Chair, Fairfax County School Board

Dot Heffron, Chair, Chesterfield County School Board

Madison Irving, Henrico County School Board

Justin Wilk, Prince William County School Board

Nicole T. Cole, Spotsylvania County School Board

Maya Guy, Vice Chair, Stafford County School Board

Baron Braswell, Former Member, Spotsylvania County School Board

Amanda Pohl, Clerk of Court, Chesterfield County

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has also been endorsed by Emily’s List, VoteVets, Brady PAC, Clean Virginia, End Citizens United // Let America Vote, and GIFFORDS.

Spanberger is serving her third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, she serves on the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Before Congress, Spanberger served as a federal law enforcement officer — tracking narcotics traffickers and working money laundering cases — and as a CIA case officer — working undercover on counterterrorism and nuclear counterproliferation cases. 

She and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three school-aged daughters.

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