Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, is making a determined final push in her campaign, culminating in a bus tour that includes a rally in Norfolk alongside former President Barack Obama. This event marks a critical moment for Spanberger as she seeks to secure her position ahead of the upcoming election on November 7, 2025.
In contrast, her opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, has remained in Richmond, where she has been presiding over the state Senate during a special session called by Democrats to discuss a constitutional amendment on redistricting. Earle-Sears, who has consistently lagged in polling, faced support from Republican lawmakers who gathered on the steps of the Virginia Capitol last week.
During the event, State Sen. Mark Peake, chairman of the state Republican Party, aimed to rally support for Earle-Sears, suggesting that Democrats were attempting to sideline her. “They want to get Winsome Earle-Sears off the campaign trail because she’s winning!” a supporter shouted. Earle-Sears addressed the crowd shortly after, asserting that she was speaking as the lieutenant governor rather than as a candidate, despite the podium featuring a sign reading “Spanberger’s Sideshow Session.”
Earle-Sears criticized Spanberger for her stance on redistricting, alleging that she had sold out Virginians for $150,000, the amount contributed by the National Democratic Redistricting Committee to Spanberger and the House Democratic Caucus shortly before the special session was called. “Abigail Spanberger is on record publicly just this summer, promising she would not take up redistricting,” Earle-Sears declared.
While Earle-Sears navigates legislative duties, Spanberger is capitalizing on her campaign momentum, advocating for issues such as affordable housing and rising living costs. Her bus tour has been a platform for her to connect with voters, culminating in a rally at Old Dominion University’s Chartway Arena. “On Tuesday, we are going to send a message, a message that Virginia is turning the page,” she told enthusiastic supporters.
As Obama took the stage at the rally, he emphasized the importance of voting over lamentation. “They don’t hear boos. They hear votes,” he remarked, urging the crowd to support Spanberger, who he described as a candidate with a proven track record of advocacy.
The atmosphere leading up to the election has been marked by significant events and controversies. In recent weeks, Spanberger has focused on affordability issues, highlighting the challenges many Virginians face due to rising housing prices and energy bills. She pointed out, “Everywhere I traveled, I was hearing the same versions of a similar challenge.”
Earle-Sears, meanwhile, has been under scrutiny following political scandals, including controversial text messages from her opponent in the attorney general race, Jay Jones. This has potentially shifted public perception and polling dynamics, with some recent surveys indicating a tightening race. While Spanberger has maintained a lead over Earle-Sears, recent polls show the attorney general race is now too close to call, with Jason Miyares gaining traction against Jones.
As the campaign reaches its final days, both candidates reflect on their journeys. Spanberger launched her gubernatorial campaign in November 2023, announcing she would not seek reelection in Congress. Earle-Sears entered the race in September 2024, following the decision of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin not to pursue consecutive terms.
The aftermath of the election on Tuesday will undoubtedly shape the future political landscape of Virginia. With issues of affordability, governance, and party unity at the forefront, voters will decide whether to continue the Democratic momentum or to shift toward Earle-Sears’ Republican vision.
As Election Day approaches, the stakes are high for both candidates, each vying to connect with Virginians and articulate their visions for the state’s future.
