RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after securing the Democratic nomination to serve as the 75th Governor of Virginia.

“Thank you to every Virginian who has shared with me their vision for our Commonwealth’s future since I launched my campaign. As the Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia, I look forward to having many more meaningful conversations with all Virginians — across our communities and regardless of who they’ve cast their votes for in the past — about the issues that matter most to them.

“Virginia is my home — it’s where I grew up, and it’s where my husband and I are raising our three daughters. Virginians across the Commonwealth are telling me the issues they want their leaders to address, and I share their priorities — strengthening our public schools, making Virginia a more affordable place to live, defending our fundamental rights, keeping our communities safe, protecting Virginians’ jobs, strengthening our economy, and standing up to the chaos in Washington that is putting Virginians’ livelihoods at risk. I’m running for Governor, because I will work tirelessly to deliver for all Virginians on these priorities.

“I’m grateful for the support of the many elected officials, local leaders, and community members who have thrown their support behind me to serve as our next Governor. As we head toward November — and throughout my term, I will work hard to win the trust of all Virginians and build a stronger future for our Commonwealth.”

BACKGROUND

Abigail Spanberger has always served our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country. Growing up, Spanberger’s parents raised her to believe in the value of service. Her father served in the U.S. Army, went to school on the G.I. Bill, and became a career law enforcement officer. Her mother put herself through nursing school and worked late nights and weekends to care for her patients.

Spanberger began her career as a federal law enforcement officer. At the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Spanberger worked federal narcotics and money laundering cases — regularly working with local police departments across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. — investigated child predators, and arrested narcotics traffickers. She served search and arrest warrants, often as the only woman on the arrest team.

Spanberger then joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a case officer. At CIA, she had one mission — to protect and serve the United States of America. There, she worked overseas and undercover to prevent terrorist attacks, counter the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and track transnational criminal organizations.

After serving her country and bringing her family back home to Virginia, Spanberger began a career in the private sector. But after the 2016 election, she saw the dysfunction and hyperpartisanship dividing our communities — and she decided to run for Congress.

Spanberger has a track record of winning competitive, nationally watched races. In 2018, she became the first Democrat since 1968 — and the first woman — elected to serve Virginia’s Seventh District in Congress. Spanberger was consistently ranked as the most bipartisan Member of Congress from Virginia, and she built a record of finding common ground to get things done for the Virginians she served.

Spanberger — a product of Virginia public schools, is the proud parent of three school-age daughters in Virginia public schools. Spanberger graduated from J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. Her husband Adam also grew up in Henrico County, graduating from Mills Godwin High School and the University of Virginia.

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