Overview
- Decision Desk HQ and multiple outlets project Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, flipping the governorship to Democratic control.
- Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi is projected to win lieutenant governor, becoming the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in U.S. history.
- The attorney general contest remains uncalled after late scrutiny of Democratic nominee Jay Jones over 2022 texts suggesting violence toward a GOP leader.
- Spanberger ran on affordability, public safety and abortion rights while attacking Trump’s workforce cuts and the shutdown, maintaining steady polling and fundraising advantages.
- Trump did not formally endorse Earle-Sears as Republicans highlighted cultural issues; early voting surpassed the previous cycle, reflecting heightened engagement.