Here Are the Issues Dominating Virginia’s Race for Governor

Spanberger, a Democrat, has focused on the shutdown while Republican Earle-Sears prioritizes education and transgender issues. Polls show the former leading.

(L) Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, answers questions in Buena Vista, Va., on Sept. 1, 2025. (R) Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, attends a festival in Buena Vista, Va., on Sept. 1, 2025. Win McNamee/Getty Images

In the final weeks of the Virginia governor’s race, the two candidates have zeroed in on differing issues.

Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate and frontrunner, has focused on the federal government shutdown that’s impacting many federal workers in the state.