Virginia Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger To Run For Governor In 2025

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia) has informed multiple people of her expected gubernatorial run in 2025. She currently sits in a must-win House seat for her party in 2024.

Spanberger has been planning her bid for years but has only recently become more vocal about her intentions. She told four Democrats that she is preparing to announce her candidacy for the position currently filled by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. 

Spanberger’s network of allies and donors will serve her well in the gubernatorial election. Despite Vriginia’s strict limitations on who and how much can be donated to political candidates, she managed to raise more than $9 million in the 2022 cycle.

However, Spanberger’s run for a new position may upset donors who contributed to her House campaign in hopes of reclaiming a majority in that chamber.

Though Spanberger could launch a bid immediately following reelection to her House seat, she has told at least two Virginia Democrats that she will not seek a fourth term in Congress.

Her departure will likely pose a challenge for the party to keep Spanberger’s seat in 2024. But while Republicans have only put up one candidate so far, the list of Democratic contenders continues to grow.

Other state Democrats reportedly have their eye on the governor position: Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn are also expected to enter the race.

Spanberger is expected to announce her candidacy after Virginia’s state legislative elections this November.