U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger has announced her candidacy for Virginia governor in 2025, opting not to seek reelection to the U.S. House next year. Spanberger, a three-term Democrat, revealed her decision in a campaign video where she emphasized her focus on key issues such as reducing prescription drug prices, promoting middle-class growth, and addressing inflation. She also highlighted the importance of recruiting and retaining teachers and protecting women’s reproductive rights from extremist threats.
In her video titled “What Matters Most,” Spanberger criticized politicians in Richmond who prioritize banning abortion and censoring books instead of helping the people. As the representative of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, a significant swing seat in northern Virginia, her decision not to run for reelection could lead to a competitive Democratic primary in the district. Several Republican candidates have already announced their campaigns for the seat.
Spanberger, a former CIA officer and U.S. Postal Service law enforcement officer, achieved a historic victory in her first congressional race, winning a district that had been held by Republicans for nearly half a century. The Commonwealth’s prohibition on consecutive terms for governors has sparked speculation about the future political endeavors of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, as well as early maneuvering by potential candidates for the chief executive’s office.
Among the potential Democratic candidates, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney is expected to announce his campaign plans soon. On the Republican side, Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are considered likely contenders, although neither has publicly committed to running as they focus on this year’s legislative races. Another potential candidate is outgoing Republican state Senator Amanda Chase, who previously ran for her party’s nomination for governor in 2021 and is considering another run for governor or lieutenant governor.
Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn recently announced that she will not run for governor in 2025. Instead, she plans to run next year for the competitive northern Virginia congressional seat being vacated by fellow Democrat U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton.
