By Amber Anderson

VIRGINIA, USA — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger has been named the Democratic nominee in the race for Virginia’s governor. 

According to the Democratic Party of Virginia, no other candidates filed for the position. On Tuesday, Spanberger released a statement after securing the Democratic nomination.

“Thank you to every Virginian who has shared with me their vision for our Commonwealth’s future since I launched my campaign. As the Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia, I look forward to having many more meaningful conversations with all Virginians — across our communities and regardless of who they’ve cast their votes for in the past — about the issues that matter most to them.

“Virginia is my home — it’s where I grew up, and it’s where my husband and I are raising our three daughters. Virginians across the Commonwealth are telling me the issues they want their leaders to address, and I share their priorities — strengthening our public schools, making Virginia a more affordable place to live, defending our fundamental rights, keeping our communities safe, protecting Virginians’ jobs, strengthening our economy, and standing up to the chaos in Washington that is putting Virginians’ livelihoods at risk. I’m running for Governor, because I will work tirelessly to deliver for all Virginians on these priorities.

“I’m grateful for the support of the many elected officials, local leaders, and community members who have thrown their support behind me to serve as our next Governor. As we head toward November — and throughout my term, I will work hard to win the trust of all Virginians and build a stronger future for our Commonwealth.”

Spanberger was raised in Virginia and began her career as a federal law enforcement officer at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. She later joined the CIA as a case officer. She worked overseas and undercover to prevent terrorist attacks, counter the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and track transnational criminal organizations.

In 2018, Spanberger became the first Democrat since 1968 and the first woman elected to serve Virginia’s Seventh District in Congress. 

Lamont Bagby, chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, released a statement following Spanberger’s win.

“Abigail Spanberger is a true fighter for Virginia, and I’m proud to lead a party united behind her. Across the Commonwealth, we’ve seen her connect with and listen to Virginians from all walks of life. Virginians want a governor focused on the real issues: strengthening schools, keeping communities safe, protecting Virginia jobs, and lowering costs. From now until November, Virginia Democrats will knock on more doors, make more phone calls, and have more conversations with our neighbors than ever before. We are ready for this moment, we are ready to stand up for Virginians, and we are ready to make Abigail Spanberger our next Governor.”