Virginia Democrats Lead Early Voting in Key Gubernatorial Race

Early voting has commenced in Virginia with a high level of engagement anticipated, potentially rivaling the record turnout from 2021, as voters prepare to elect the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, among other local positions. Democrat Abigail Spanberger currently leads the gubernatorial race against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, according to recent polls from Christopher Newport University, with Spanberger favored among key demographics including independents, Black voters, women, younger voters, and college-educated individuals. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has invested heavily to maintain and expand its narrow House of Delegates majority, citing strong fundraising and candidate recruitment as signs of momentum. Key issues influencing voters include inflation and the cost of living, threats to democracy, education, immigration, and crime. Political experts highlight that early voting has become a critical factor in election outcomes, extending the traditional focus on the final campaign days to a broader early voting period. Overall, Virginia's 2025 elections are being closely watched as a significant indicator of political trends ahead of the 2026 midterms.