Spanberger formally announces gubernatorial run
She released a campaign video with the announcement.
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Spanberger formally announces gubernatorial campaign
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) formally announced that she will not be seeking reelection to the House of Representatives next year to instead run for governor in 2025.
“The greatest honor of my life has been to represent Virginians in the U.S. House. Today, I am proud to announce that I will be working hard to gain the support and trust of all Virginians to continue this service as the next Governor of Virginia,” said Spanberger. “Virginia is where I grew up, where I am raising my own family, and where I intend to build a stronger future for the next generation of Virginians. As a former CIA case officer, former federal law enforcement officer, and current Member of Congress, I have always believed in the value of public service. I look forward to serving the Seventh District through the end of this term and then pursuing the important work of bringing Virginia together to keep our Commonwealth strong.”
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney plans to announce his campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination before the end of the year.
On the Republican side, likely candidates include Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
VA-07 is considered a swing district but it will be a tall order for Republicans to flip it during a presidential election year.
A number of Democrats will likely jump into the race to replace Spanberger in Congress. State Sen. Jeremy McPike and former state Del. Elizabeth Guzman are the likely front-runners for the nomination.
Gilbert holds off leadership challenge
Speaker Todd Gilbert held off a leadership challenge from Del. Terry Kilgore over the weekend to continue his reign as Republican House Leader.
"I'm honored that my colleagues have once again put their trust in me to lead our Republican team for the coming term,” Gilbert said Sunday. “I look forward to working with our caucus to advance our shared Republican values and serve as a check on the worst far-left policies put forward by the incoming Democratic majority."
Del. Amanda Batten, R-James City County, was re-elected Caucus Chair and was re-elected caucus whip, and Del. Michael Webert, R-Fauquier, was re-elected Republican Whip.
Democrats nominate leadership
Democrats in the House of Delegates nominated Don Scott as Speaker-designee on Saturday. Charniele Herring was elected Majority Leader and Kathy Tran was elected Caucus Chair.
“I cannot express enough how humbled I am to be named the next Speaker of the House by my colleagues,” Scott said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the House Democratic Leader and I look forward to bringing that passion to the Speaker’s office. Virginia voters sent a resounding message on Tuesday that they wanted a Commonwealth that moved forward and that is exactly what I intend to do as your next Speaker.”
Scott will be formally voted into his role as Speaker of the House when the session begins in January.
