By Michael Doti

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Abigail Spanberger spent time working in the CIA and the private sector. She is currently serving her third term in the United States Congress, representing the seventh congressional district of Virginia.

She now aspires to be the commonwealth’s next governor and is excited to implement her policies if she wins.

“I’m running for governor in the commonwealth of Virginia because I want to focus on strengthening our public education system, lowering costs for families and keeping our communities safe,” she said. “That includes preventing gun violence and strengthening the ties that bind us as communities.”

Quickness is the theme of her campaign. She got the jumpstart on it, announcing her bid back in November.

She wants to be ready to make an immediate impact on Virginia if she wins.

“I look forward to November 2025 as the election, but I want to be ready to go with those policy priorities the day after the election so we can move forward,” Spanberger said.

Despite being a Democrat, she has a reputation for being closer to the middle of the political spectrum. She hopes to use that to her advantage in order to get voters on both sides to support her.

Spanberger is also committed to showing up and campaigning all throughout the commonwealth.

“The first way you disrupt that assessment is by showing up,” she said. “My first trip to southwest (Virginia) occurred before I even announced my campaign for governor.”

Spanberger currently runs unopposed for governor. She knows that will likely change, and hopes her policies stand out and voters support her for that, instead of simply voting against someone else.

The election for a new governor is set for next November.