RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today turned in more than 40,000 petition signatures — more than four times the number required to get on the ballot in November for Governor of Virginia.

Candidates for statewide office in Virginia are required to collect 10,000 signatures, including a minimum of 400 signatures from all 11 of Virginia’s congressional districts, to formally declare their candidacy. The Spanberger for Governor campaign collected more than 1,400 signatures from each congressional district — exceeding the per-district requirement by at least 1,000 signatures in each district.

“Virginians deserve a Governor who is not afraid to stand up for them — someone who is not afraid to protect their fundamental freedoms, protect their jobs, protect our public schools, and protect the long-term stability of the Commonwealth’s economy. As one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress, I built a record of cutting through the political grandstanding, bringing people together, and getting things done. As Virginia’s next Governor, I will do the same — find common ground to deliver on the issues that matter most to Virginians,” said Spanberger. “Thank you to every Virginian who participated in our civic process and demonstrated the strength of our campaign to build a stronger Virginia. I’m incredibly grateful to our volunteers who spent long hours distributing petitions, talking to their neighbors, and putting us on the path to victory in November.”

More than 1,300 Spanberger for Governor volunteers collected petition signatures from every corner of the Commonwealth — demonstrating the continued momentum and growing enthusiasm at the grassroots level for Spanberger’s campaign.

“There’s clear enthusiasm across the Commonwealth for Abigail to serve as the next Governor of Virginia. More than 1,300 dedicated volunteers spent months collecting petition signatures for Abigail to get on the ballot. We know this race is a toss-up, but the momentum is clearly on Abigail’s side,” said Samson Signori, Campaign Manager, Spanberger for Governor. “Abigail and the team have built a robust statewide grassroots operation capable of connecting with voters in every corner of the Commonwealth, and it’s only growing. Virginians know Abigail will be a champion for their families, work to lower costs, and build stronger schools and safer communities — and they are excited for her to get to work.”

BACKGROUND

MOMENTUM: This clear example of grassroots support comes as the Spanberger for Governor campaign has raised more than $13 million since launching in November 2023. Over the last six months, Spanberger has attended more than 105 events across the Commonwealth as a candidate for Governor.

Spanberger served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 2019 to January 2025. Before Congress, Spanberger served as a federal law enforcement officer — tracking narcotics traffickers and working money laundering cases. She then served as a CIA case officer — working undercover on counterterrorism and nuclear counterproliferation cases. She and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three school-aged daughters.

Abigail Spanberger announced her campaign to serve as the 75th Governor of Virginia in November 2023.