FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Two major Democratic names are planning to run to be Virginia's next governor in 2025.
Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger announced her campaign for governor of Virginia on Monday, and a spokesperson with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said they will launch his campaign later this year.
Spanberger's announcement comes nearly a week after Democrats secured both the state's House of Delegates and Senate.
Spanberger has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. She represents District 7 which encompasses much of Prince William County, Stafford County, and Spotsylvania County among other localities.
"I have a strong track record of bringing people together at the ballot box and importantly I have a very strong track record of actually governing and getting things done," Spanberger said.
In her announcement post, she says "I know that when we rise above the chaos and division we can focus on what matters most to Virginians."
“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.”
A spokesperson with Stoney did not give an exact date on when he'll announce his run. Stoney, a previous prominent member of former Gov. Terry McAuliffe's administration, became Richmond's youngest mayor in 2017 at the age of 35.
Spanberger's announcement comes after a disappointing election cycle for the Virginia GOP. She told 13News Now she plans to offer an alternative to the current administration in office.
"I think the results of Tuesday's elections speak to the facts that voters reject these sorts of policies and politics and really want legislators who are focused on getting things done serving them," Spanberger said.
Her announcement marks the first candidacy for those looking to become Virginia's 75th governor, but more are expected.
The 7th Congressional District that Spanberger is leaving behind is a key swing seat in northern Virginia that will be up for election next year. Her decision not to seek reelection in the House could lead to a competitive Democratic primary in the 7th. A handful of Republican candidates have also already announced campaigns.
The former CIA officer and law enforcement officer for the U.S. Postal Service won her first congressional race in a district that had been held by Republicans for almost 50 years.
The Commonwealth prohibits its governors from serving consecutive terms. That’s led to intense speculation about Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s next political move, as well as early jockeying in effective shadow campaigns for the chief executive's office.
A spokeswoman with Governor Glenn Youngkin's office released the following statement: "After delivering the largest education budget in Virginia's history, $5 billion in tax relief for Virginians, and a transformational behavioral health plan, the governor will continue to build on this incredible track record in the next two years. He hopes any gubernatorial candidate is committed to continuing this remarkable progress on behalf of the Commonwealth and Virginians."
So far, no one from the GOP has announced their candidacy to follow Youngkin's footsteps.
Among Republicans, Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are widely seen in political circles as likely contenders. Neither has publicly committed to a run, and both have also said they were focused on this year’s legislative races.
Outgoing Republican state Sen. Amanda Chase may also run. Chase, who lost a June primary and ran unsuccessfully for her party’s nomination for governor in 2021, said she’s ruled out running for the U.S. Senate next year and is contemplating another run for governor or lieutenant governor, characterizing the latter of those two as more likely.
Last month, former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn announced she would not run for governor in 2025 and will instead run next year to represent the competitive northern Virginia congressional seat being vacated by a fellow Democrat, U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.