Jun 23, 2025 Board of Trade

Highlighting Results from Virginia’s Primary Races

Virginia’s 2025 primary elections have set the stage for a historic and highly competitive general election in November. This election cycle is particularly historic: both major parties’ gubernatorial nominees are women, ensuring Virginia elects its first female governor. Abigail Spanberger, who secured her party’s nomination unopposed, is a former CIA officer and centrist congresswoman who has emphasized labor rights, paid family leave, and rural outreach as key themes for her campaign. On the Republican side, Winsome Earle‑Sears, a Marine Corps veteran and Virginia’s current lieutenant governor, represents a pro-business conservative alternative and could become the first Black woman to serve as governor in U.S. history.  

In the race for attorney general, Democrat Jay Jones, a former state delegate and assistant attorney general, narrowly defeated Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor in a closely watched primary. Jones, who has emphasized his experience and commitment to challenging federal overreach, will face incumbent Republican Jason Miyares in the general election this fall.  

The lieutenant governor race is also poised to be historic as Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, a state senator and former community college administrator, narrowly defeated former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney in a six-way primary. If elected, Hashmi would become the first Muslim and Indian-American to hold statewide office in Virginia. She will face Republican John Reid, a conservative radio host and former communications director, who became the GOP nominee after his opponent withdrew from the race.

These developments mark a significant moment in Virginia’s political landscape, with both parties fielding diverse and accomplished candidates for the state’s top offices. As the general election approaches, all eyes will be on Virginia to see how these historic candidacies influence voter turnout and the broader political climate. 

More Quick Info About Upcoming Elections in Virginia:

  • Election Day in Virginia: Tuesday, November 4th. Early in-person voting begins on September 19th, and individuals can register to vote or update their existing registration online through October 14th. Learn more here.
  • A Special Election will be held on September 9th for Virginia’s 11th District U.S. House seat. Early voting for this election will start on July 25th.
  • To see where you should vote if you live in Virginia, click here.