ABC News projects Democrat Abigail Spanberger will win the closely watched governor's race, besting Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and becoming the first woman elected governor of Virginia.

Spanberger, a former congresswoman, flips the governor's mansion from red to blue after campaigning against the Trump administration's federal layoffs and tariffs.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears to become Virginia's next governor, capitalizing on President Donald Trump's unpopularity.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the governor’s race in Virginia on Tuesday, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Spanberger will succeed Republican Gov.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to give Democrats a key victory heading into the 2026 midterm elections and make history as the first woman ever to lead the commonwealth.

Earle-Sears calls on governor-elect Spanberger to represent all Virginians and support school choice while pledging continued fight against radical policies.

See the live race results in the major races in the 2025 elections, including New York City mayor and the Virginia and New Jersey races for governor.

A high-stakes governors race in New Jersey, one of two gubernatorial contests on Tuesday, has tightened in the runup to Election Day. Democrats' pick, former Navy helicopter pilot Rep. Mikie Sherrill, still maintains her lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in his third try for the governor's mansion.