NEW YORK---
Former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears to become Virginia's first female governor, while Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill beat Trump-backed Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey's gubernatorial election. In New York City, self-proclaimed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani secured victory in the closely watched mayoral race.
The victories provide Democrats with momentum heading into the 2026 midterm elections and represent what political analysts describe as a referendum on President Donald Trump's economic policies and education agenda.
In her victory speech Tuesday night in Richmond, Spanberger told supporters that Virginia chose "pragmatism over partisanship" and promised to "focus relentlessly" on "lowering costs, keeping our communities safe and strengthening our economy for every Virginian"
Spanberger's education platform places significant emphasis on higher education affordability and support for historically Black colleges and universities. Her plan calls for making college more affordable and accessible for Virginia students, directing the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to monitor efficiency efforts, and ensuring institutions meet their responsibility to provide opportunity for Pell-eligible and first-generation students
The governor-elect's higher education agenda also includes continued support for Virginia's G3 and Fast Forward workforce programs, streamlining state financial aid by combining the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program and Commonwealth Award grants, and maintaining VTAG scholarships for students at private Virginia colleges
