Virginia Will Elect its First Female Governor This Fall. Neither Candidate is Talking Much About It

June 19, 2025

Virginia's 2022 gubernatorial race will make history as either Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears will become the state's first elected female governor. While both candidates acknowledge the historic nature of their campaigns, they prefer to focus on policy issues such as affordability, energy costs, and economic concerns rather than gender. Despite the historic implications, both Spanberger, a former CIA officer and congresswoman, and Earle-Sears, Virginia's current lieutenant governor and the first Black woman elected statewide, are primarily emphasizing their policy positions and qualifications.

Who is affected

Virginia voters and residents
Female political candidates nationally
Families concerned about cost of living and affordability in Virginia
Virginia homeowners affected by energy costs
Parents bringing children to campaign events
Black women in politics (specifically referenced regarding Earle-Sears)
The 18 states that have never elected a female governor, including Virginia

What action is being taken

Both Spanberger and Earle-Sears are actively campaigning across Virginia
Spanberger is focusing on lowering energy costs through programs like utility-funded assistance for solar panels
Earle-Sears is campaigning on her record with Governor Glenn Youngkin and pledging to eliminate the state's 4.15% tax on auto sales
Both candidates are making unannounced campaign stops throughout the state
Outside groups are highlighting the historic gender aspects of the race to generate interest and donations

Why it matters

This race will result in Virginia electing its first female governor regardless of which candidate wins
The race could serve as a model for female candidates of both parties, especially for Democrats following Kamala Harris' presidential loss
The election reflects ongoing challenges female candidates face when running for executive positions, as there have only been 51 female governors in U.S. history
The outcome will impact Virginia's economic policies, including energy costs, taxes, and overall affordability
The election demonstrates how female candidates navigate gender stereotypes while focusing on policy issues that matter to voters

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint