ABC News projects Democrat Abigail Spanberger will win the closely watched governor's race, besting Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and becoming the first woman elected governor of Virginia.

Abigail Spanberger, elected as the state’s first female governor, ran on a promise to protect Virginia’s economy from the aggressive tactics of Trump’s second administration, which has culled the civil service, levied tariffs and shepherded a reconciliation bill curtailing the state’s already fragile health care system.

Virginia Democrats exceeded their own expectations Tuesday. They don’t want to waste the moment, yet as they strategize how to use their power, they’re preaching restraint.

Did Prop. 50 pass in California? Who won the governor race in New Jersey? See results and analysis as Democrats sweep off-year elections.

Virginia voters have made history by electing candidates who broke race and gender barriers in this week's elections.

Virginia’s elections Tuesday offered a national barometer measuring what critical swing-state voters think about the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term and GOP control in Washington, as well as in the Virginia governor’s office.

Virginia's biggest counties delivered Spanberger's double-digit victory, which saw her making strong gains in suburban areas.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to give Democrats a key victory heading into the 2026 midterm elections and make history as the first woman ever to lead the commonwealth.

Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become the first woman to lead Virginia.