Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger announces bid for governor

Rep. Abigail Spanberger running for Virginia governor in 2025

It's official. House Rep. Abigail Spanberger has announced her bid to run for governor of Virginia in the 2025 election. FOX 5's Tom Fitzgerald spoke to Spanberger about the concerns she's hearing from voters.

HENRICO, Va. - U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger announced Monday that she will run for Virginia governor in 2025.

The three-term Democrat made the announcement in a campaign video. She will run for governor instead of seeking reelection to the U.S. House in 2024.

In a video titled "What Matters Most," Spanberger highlighted the importance of lowering prescription drug prices, growing the middle class, and easing inflation. She also emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining teachers.

WOODBRIDGE, VA - NOVEMBER 04: U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) listens during a news conference for reporters and constituents outside of an early voting location during the midterm election on November 4, 2022 in Woodbridge, Virginia. (Photo by S

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"The greatest honor of my life has been to represent Virginians in the U.S. House. Today, I am proud to announce that I will be working hard to gain the support and trust of all Virginians to continue this service as the next Governor of Virginia," Spanberger said in a statement. "Virginia is where I grew up, where I am raising my own family, and where I intend to build a stronger future for the next generation of Virginians. As a former CIA case officer, former federal law enforcement officer, and current Member of Congress, I have always believed in the value of public service. I look forward to serving the Seventh District through the end of this term and then pursuing the important work of bringing Virginia together to keep our Commonwealth strong."

Spanberger represents Virginia's 7th Congressional District, a key swing seat in northern Virginia that will be up for election next year.

She told FOX on Monday that she will protect abortion rights, but added schools and crimes are major issues with voters.

"I have heard all of those same concerns directly from voters and on the issue of crime, as a former federal agent I used to work on money laundering and narcotics cases, I know what it is to have a badge and swear an oath and work to protect your community and uphold the law," she said.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a fellow Democrat, is also expected to announce his campaign plans soon. Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears may run, too.

Spanberger announces bid for governor: analysis

FOX 5 contributor and Democratic strategist Kevin Walling, and Republican strategist Chris Johnson, discuss the latest in politics including Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s announcement that she will run for governor in 2025 instead of seeking reelection to the U.S. House next year.

Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics expects a crowded field in 2025.

"It’s a really big consideration that has nothing to do with these candidates in particular, but who's president in 2025? Because if it’s Donald Trump again, I think Democrats would be positioned to win this governship back because it’s pretty common for Virginia to vote against the White House," Kondik said.

Spnberger's decision not to seek reelection in the House could lead to a competitive Democratic primary in the 7th. A handful of Republican candidates have also already announced campaigns.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.