Mixed Reactions as Abigail Spanberger Announces Run for Virginia Governor
Community’s Stance over Abigail Spanberger’s Gubernatorial Bid!
In the upcoming gubernatorial election 2025, Democrat Representative Abigail Spanberger from Virginia is said to be gearing up to throw her hat in the ring. Whispers of her governorship aspirations have been circulating for quite some time, but Spanberger has recently been more vocal about her political goals with fellow party members.
Two Democratic lawmakers have revealed that Spanberger and her top political aide have been discussing her plans for a gubernatorial run with congressional colleagues. According to reliable sources cited by POLITICO, Spanberger has informed four Democrats that she intends to run for governor in the upcoming election.
Virginia’s highly competitive state legislative election this November is anticipated to be followed by an announcement from Spanberger, as governors in the commonwealth cannot serve consecutive terms. Therefore, Virginia’s current GOP Governor, Glenn Youngkin, will vacate the governor’s mansion following the 2025 election.
Spanberger’s competitive district is crucial for Democrats’ hopes of regaining control of the lower chamber in 2024. Nonetheless, the timing of her possible announcement and her lofty goals might create challenges for the party’s chances.
In the 2020 presidential election, President Biden secured victory in Spanberger’s district with a six-point margin. After the upcoming election, she can run for governor and seek reelection to her House seat. However, according to two individuals knowledgeable of these discussions, she has no intention of pursuing a fourth term in Congress.
Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney are probable contenders in the upcoming governor’s race, alongside Spanberger, known for her impressive fundraising abilities. During the 2022 election cycle, Spanberger raised an outstanding sum of over $9 million. However, as of June’s conclusion, POLITICO reports that she only possesses $1.2 million in donor money for her congressional reelection in 2023.
With Virginia’s generous campaign finance laws and few restrictions on donors and donation limits, Spanberger can use the funds raised for her congressional race to fuel her campaign for governor.
Expected Democratic contenders for Spanberger’s House seat, if she leaves, include former state Dels. Jennifer Carroll Foy, Hala Ayala, and state Sen. Jeremy McPike will likely consider running in her district. The only Republican candidate currently fundraising in the community is businessman Bill Moher.
With possible implications for Virginia politics, Spanberger’s potential bid for governor holds significant weight. In the instance of achieving victory in the gubernatorial race, she would etch her name in history as the commonwealth’s inaugural female governor. Additionally, her triumph would undoubtedly secure the Democratic Party’s grip on Virginia’s state government as it continues its gradual shift towards the blue side in recent times.
If Spanberger were to lose the race, it would have repercussions for the future electoral prospects of the Democratic Party in the state. The impact of Spanberger’s decision on the upcoming state legislative election remains uncertain, but it is expected to be a closely-watched race.
As the 2025 election draws near, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Spanberger and her potential bid for governor. This pivotal move by the Democratic Party in Virginia holds excellent weight, with far-reaching consequences for the state’s political landscape. The outcome of her decision will shape the future of elections and the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans within the commonwealth’s governance.
Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
