Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger announced her plans to run for governor in Virginia rather than seek reelection to a fourth term in Northern Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
Spanberger said “people must come first” in her video campaign announcement released Monday morning.
I'm officially running to become the next Governor of Virginia.
— Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerVA07) November 13, 2023
I'm a former CIA case officer, former federal agent, current Member of Congress, and mom to three great kids.
I know that when we rise above the chaos and division, we can focus on what matters most to Virginians. pic.twitter.com/rB5EoNnD2H
“Our country and our Commonwealth are facing fundamental threats to our rights, our freedoms, and to our democracy,” Spanberger said. “While some politicians in Richmond focus on banning abortion and books, what they’re not doing is helping people.”
Spanberger, 44, previously worked as a CIA officer and a law enforcement officer for the U.S. Postal Service. First elected in 2018, she serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Agriculture Committee.
“I know how to bring people together and get real things done that improve lives, That’s why I’m running for governor,” said Spanberger, a moderate.
Key issues for her in the 2025 race include the following: lowering prescription drug prices, growing the middle class, easing inflation, recruiting and retaining teachers, and protecting reproductive rights, she said.
Abigail Spanberger indicated this summer that she planned to run for governor.
Her early announcement gives Democrats time to find candidates to run in the 7th District, which includes a large swath of Northern Virginia, including Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties.
Another Democrat expected to run for governor is Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. On the Republican side, no one has yet committed to the race, but Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are seen as possibilities, as is outgoing state Sen. Amanda Chase, The Associated Press reports.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin cannot run for a second term because Virginia prohibits governors from seeking consecutive terms.
Feature image courtesy U.S. House of Representatives
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