Virginia voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a closely watched governor’s race between Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a contest loaded with national stakes. Either would be Virginia’s first woman governor; Earle-Sears would also be the first Black woman elected governor in any state. The race doubles as a test of attitudes toward President Donald Trump amid an ongoing government shutdown, with Spanberger leaning into costs, health care and abortion rights, and Earle-Sears echoing cultural attacks while drawing only tepid backing from Trump.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.