Government | Politics 2024: ABIGAIL SPANBERGER

The Democratic Spanberger first became a household name in 2018, when she narrowly defeated incumbent Dave Brat to flip control of a longtime Republican stronghold in Central Virginia. Now, with three terms in Congress under her belt, she’s set her sights on occupying the Executive Mansion. She’s currently the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2025 after winning the endorsement of the deep-pocketed Clean Virginia PAC and the withdrawal of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney from the race.

A former CIA officer and U.S. Postal Inspection Service law enforcement officer, Spanberger has forged a reputation as a moderate Democrat capable of winning tight contests in politically divided districts. She succeeded in holding control of the 7th District in 2022, even after redistricting left her own Henrico County home outside its new boundaries.

While Spanberger backs most major Democratic priorities, she has been critical of progressive circles’ embracing of “defund the police” rhetoric and has broken with her party’s majority on several key occasions, including a 2023 vote to lift COVID-19 vaccine mandates for health care workers. She serves on the House Agriculture Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.