Overview
- Voters will choose between Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, ensuring Virginia elects a woman to the office for the first time.
- Either outcome in the lieutenant governor race would be a national first: the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the U.S. or the first openly gay Republican elected statewide.
- Recent surveys show a photo finish, with Hashmi leading by 2 points in a CNU poll (47%–45%) and by 1 point in a VCU poll (44%–43%), both within the margin of error.
- Reid remained on the ballot after Gov. Glenn Youngkin urged him to withdraw over allegations tied to a social media account; Reid denied the claims and said the push was discriminatory.
- The lieutenant governor in Virginia has limited formal powers but breaks state Senate ties and often uses the role as a springboard to higher office.