Overview
- A Suffolk University survey of likely voters conducted Oct. 19–22 shows Abigail Spanberger leading Winsome Earle‑Sears 51% to 43%, consistent with recent polling that places Spanberger near or above 50%.
- Post-scandal polling in the attorney general contest shows Republican incumbent Jason Miyares up 45%–42% in VCU’s Wilder School poll, while a Washington Post/Schar School survey puts Miyares and Democrat Jay Jones tied at 46%.
- Jones acknowledged and apologized for 2022 texts describing violence toward then‑Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family; Spanberger condemned the messages but has not withdrawn support, a stance Republicans are pressing on the trail.
- National figures are converging on Virginia, with Barack Obama endorsing Spanberger and set to rally, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joining her in Hampton Roads, and Bill Nye appearing at events, while President Donald Trump praised Earle‑Sears without issuing a formal endorsement.
- Early voting began Sept. 19 and surveys indicate roughly a quarter of gubernatorial ballots may already be cast, with Election Day set for Nov. 4; a conservative outlet also published an undercover video alleging a Spanberger staffer said she accepted AIPAC donations, a claim not broadly corroborated.