Spanberger, Hashmi and Jones win election in clean blue sweep

Sal Orlando, Staff Writer

Molly Manning, News Editor 

Abigail Spanberger defeated Winsome Earle-Sears by an overwhelming margin on Tuesday to make history as Virginia’s first ever female governor. 

Spanberger — a former CIA agent and Representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District — ran a hyperforced campaign addressing citizens’ concerns on the cost of living, health care access and threats to democracy under the Trump administration. 

Four years after Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s claim to power, Democrats dramatically flipped control of the Governor’s Mansion and expanded their grip on both chambers of the General Assembly.

“Tonight we turned a page. We turned that page by listening to our neighbors, focusing on practical results, laying out a clear agenda, and leading with decency and determination,” Spanberger said at her rally.

Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears ran on fighting crime, limiting abortion access and repealing Virginia’s controversial “car tax.” She failed to distinguish herself from President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts federal workforce cuts — which have been unpopular with Virginians.

“I think I learned more in a loss than I ever do in a victory, and I think there’s something about that,” Earle-Sears said in her concession speech. “It’s either gonna tear you apart or it’s gonna build you. Well, I don’t tear apart. I have God.”

Rebecca Weil, political affairs director of the Young Democrats at VCU, stated she believes Spanberger won by avoiding culture wars with her campaign and focusing on what is affecting the commonwealth.

“I’m personally relieved and excited by her win because I know she can both stay true to her values and work across the aisle to bring about change,” Weil stated. “I’m also grateful for her staunch support of reproductive rights and same-sex marriage, two issues that have and will come up this session.”

Every single county in Virginia shifted to the left compared to how they voted in 2021, according to the Virginia Public Access Public. 

Spanberger spent one of her final campaign stops at Monroe Park talking to VCU students about high tuition prices and entering the workforce after college. Students said they supported her for protecting abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights. 

Spanberger said during an October debate that she opposed sanctuary policies in Virginia, which would provide safety to undocumented immigrants. 

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th District, has been a staunch advocate for Spanberger and spent time with her on the campaign trail. She said at Monroe Park that Spanberger will “make sure our colleges and universities have academic freedom and can focus on you.”

McClellan told The CT she believes Spanberger would take actions as Governor to safeguard student protesters from suppression and amend the process by which governors appoint members of university boards — the main governing bodies of public schools in Virginia.

A ballot of many firsts

“In terms of Virginia having its first woman governor, it presents an interesting dynamic,” said Jaita Wrighten, assistant professor of political science at VCU. “Virginia is home to one of the most diverse state legislatures. Scholarship shows that the more diversity exists in a Democracy, it can result in more inclusive policy and increased benefits to a polity.”

Wrighten said she hopes Spanberger’s victory is not the last time a woman is elected for governor in Virginia.

Blaine Bryant, a veteran and lifetime Virginian, said food prices and the education system were the main issues influencing his vote. He also supports Virginia having a female governor and thinks the United States should have a female president. 

“It’s time for change,”  Bryant said. “What we’re doing right now is not really working, so a female governor is great.”

Spanberger’s running mates Ghazala Hashmi — for lieutenant governor, and Jay Jones — for attorney general, also won their races by comfortable margins.

Hashmi will also make history as the first Muslim woman elected into a statewide office in the United States. 

Hashmi’s campaign focused on protecting workers, abortion access and Virginians from the Trump Administration.

“I think Hashmi won because of her government experience, something her opponent is lacking,” Weil stated. “She was a force in the General Assembly and one of my personal heroes, so I am really happy about her win.”

Jones, a former delegate, overcame multiple scandals regarding his texts and a speeding ticket to win the attorney general’s office over the Republican incumbent Jason Miyares.

Jones’ campaigned on protecting abortion access and civil rights, as well as fighting for Virginia’s environment. He refused to take money from Dominion Energy — the state’s largest polluter and political donor — during the primary.

“Despite his texting scandal, I think Jones was able to win mostly because of what he’s not: a Trump supporter,” Weil stated. “Virginians are tired of Trump, and I think it would have taken a lot to elect a vocal Trump supporter to office, even in the face of a scandal.”

CJ Roberts, a voter new to Virginia, said she was raised to understand the rights she has were fought for. She voted for Democrats because she believes Republicans are causing issues. 

“I’m very strongly of the belief that politics is like a chess game,” Roberts said. “You don’t necessarily vote for the person you love, but you vote for the thing that’s going to get you closer to winning the game. I don’t think Virginia’s on a great path. I don’t think America’s on a great path, but I have to believe that we can fix it.”

The Board of Elections will certify results on Dec. 1.

VCU Capital News Service contributed to this article.