In a campaign video posted on the social media site X, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., declared her candidacy for governor of Virginia in 2025. She will not seek re-election to Congress next year, aiming to focus on addressing fundamental threats to rights, freedoms, and democracy in both the country and the Commonwealth.

"Our country and our commonwealth are facing fundamental threats to our rights, our freedoms, and to our democracy," Spanberger emphasized. "While some politicians in Richmond focus on banning abortion and books, what they're not doing is helping people."

Spanberger highlighted the need to protect women's reproductive rights and to prevent the exploitation of teachers and children for political gains. She stressed the importance of unity in the face of division and expressed her commitment to serving all Virginians across the Commonwealth.

This decision follows the recent victory of Virginia Democrats in reclaiming full control of the state's General Assembly in the last week's election. Spanberger, currently serving her third term as representative of Virginia's 7th Congressional District, will now shift her focus and run for governor, leaving Democrats to defend her competitive seat in Congress in 2024.

The race for Spanberger's congressional seat is expected to be highly competitive, as Republicans currently hold narrow control of the U.S. House. Her announcement comes at a time when several House Democrats have elected not to seek re-election. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., also recently announced his departure from Congress in February, citing frustrations with the dysfunction in Washington.

Spanberger enters the gubernatorial race after Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin faced significant losses during his state elections. Democrats emerged victorious, gaining control of the full legislature, defending their majority in the Senate, and flipping the House. Youngkin's intent to push for a GOP-controlled legislature to implement a 15-week abortion ban in the next term was met with disapproval from voters.

As the 2025 gubernatorial campaign approaches, all eyes will be on Rep. Abigail Spanberger as she vies for the governorship of Virginia. With her departure from Congress, the battle for her congressional seat will undoubtedly add to the already intense political landscape, as Republicans seek to maintain control while Democrats strategize to expand their influence.