“I look forward to the next 45 days of early voting for encouraging people to use their voices in casting their vote,” Spanberger said before reminding the crowd of the early voting window. “I know that at the end of these 45 days … early voting goes until November 1st.<\/p>\n

EARLY VOTING BEGINS IN VIRGINIA ELECTIONS: WHAT TO KNOW<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

“On November 4, I am excited about what the next chapter is, which is the part where we get to go to Richmond and we start to do the good work of governing well on behalf of all Virginians,” she continued of the Democratic ticket that includes Ghazala Hashmi, the lieutenant governor candidate<\/a>, and Jay Jones, the attorney general candidate<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger speaks to reporters on the first day of early voting in Virginia in Fairfax County. (WEX\/Graeme Jennings)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The Democratic candidate has consistently led Earle-Sears in polling and fundraising this year.<\/p>\n
But Earle-Sears has recently narrowed the polling gap after a campaign shake-up over the summer that helped her campaign focus its attacks against her Democratic competitor.<\/p>\n
Spanberger has consistently tied Earle-Sears to President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency’s job cuts, which affected many Virginia residents.<\/p>\n
“We want someone to stand up for the federal workforce, our neighbors, our friends, our fellow Virginians who have lost their jobs in service to our country because of DOGE and all of the other community members, small business owners, restaurant owners who have been impacted,” Spanberger said to loud applause. <\/p>\n
BELLWETHER VIRGINIA GOVERNOR RACE ENTERS POST-LABOR DAY STRETCH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Spanberger cast her vote early Friday morning in Henrico County before her Fairfax event in the afternoon. Virginia will have its first female governor<\/a> if either candidate wins.<\/p>\n
“At this moment in time, I am excited about what is possible. I am excited about the fact that today, on early voting, September 19, we have brought people out to the polls all across Virginia who want to cast their ballot,” Spanberger said.<\/p>\n
After she cast her ballot, John Reid, the Republican lieutenant governor candidate, crashed a press gaggle and shook hands with Spanberger in a show of professionalism. <\/p>\n
“In these times, even a quick handshake goes a long way — at the end of the day, we’re all Virginians. As leaders, we can cool the temperature, ease the rhetoric, and focus on finding the best solutions for the future of our Commonwealth,” Reid wrote on X. <\/p>\n
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In these times, even a quick handshake goes a long way — at the end of the day, we’re all Virginians. As leaders, we can cool the temperature, ease the rhetoric, and focus on finding the best solutions for the future of our Commonwealth. 🇺🇸 https:\/\/t.co\/YhvRa7YNxG<\/a><\/p>\n
— John Reid (@JohnReid4VA) September 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n