Representative Abigail Spanberger, a prominent Virginia Democrat who was repeatedly able to win in a conservative-leaning district, announced on Monday that she would run for governor in 2025, leaving open a competitive seat that could be crucial to her party’s efforts to win back control of the House next year.
Ms. Spanberger, 44, is seen as among the strongest Democratic contenders to succeed Gov.
Her decision not to seek re-election to Congress leaves House Democrats scrambling to hold a seat that is regularly in play for both parties.
Ms. Spanberger is the first candidate to announce a run for Virginia governor.
Her early announcement is intended to allow a successor to build a campaign for the 2024 House race, which Democrats believe would provide a more favorable electorate than a special election.
Persons:
Abigail Spanberger, Spanberger, Glenn Youngkin, Ms
Organizations:
Virginia Democrat, Democratic, Gov, Republican, Virginians, Virginia
Locations:
Virginia, “ Virginia