Virginia made history in several ways Tuesday after elections that saw landmark gains for Democrats statewide and nationally.

Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger secured the governorship with 57% of the vote as of Wednesday, defeating Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become Virginia’s first female governor. 

“You chose, we chose, leadership that will always put Virginia first,” Spanberger said, addressing a cheering crowd at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Tuesday night. “And Virginia, I cannot wait to get to work for you.” 

State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi made history by becoming the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in the U.S. when she defeated Republican John Reid in the lieutenant governor race, securing about 55.2 % of the vote to his 44.5 %. 

Former Del. Jay Jones will serve as the state’s attorney general after securing 52.7% of the vote, unseating incumbent Jason Miyares. He is the first African American elected to the role in Virginia. 

State Democrats expanded their majority in the House of Delegates from 51-49 to 64-36. Virginia’s results were part of a broader Democratic sweep nationwide, following months of campaigning and debates on issues including the economy, immigration, reproductive rights, affordability and LGBTQ rights. 

“I congratulate [Spanberger] on her victory last night,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said during a briefing Wednesday morning, thanking the candidates and promising collaboration with the transition team. “I particularly want to thank Winsome and John and Jason for their dedication during the campaign season.” 

More than 1,448,000 early votes were cast as of Monday, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, roughly 200,000 more than the over 1,194,000 early votes cast in the 2021 election. 

“Virginia has shown America how to win — and how to lead,” Democratic Party of Virginia Chair and Sen. Lamont Bagby said in a statement, “with courage, compassion and conviction.” 

Spanberger and others described the results as a triumph of pragmatism over partisanship, while voters casting their ballots Tuesday said they felt motivated by concern over the state of the country and its future. 

Virginia has been affected by federal job cuts and policy changes during the Trump administration. According to electoral data, Democratic candidates performed better across the state compared with previous elections. Some voters at polling locations in Richmond cited the firings and the actions and positions of the Trump administration and Republicans as a factor in their decisions. 

“I just want things to get better, man,” said Richmond resident Jerry Reed, who was concerned about the firings and women’s rights. “We’re supposed to be doing what’s right for the country, not what’s right for [Trump].” 

Voters cited child care, prisoner re-entry services, transgender health care and women’s reproductive rights as important issues. Some voters expressed a desire for change in Virginia, regardless of political affiliation. 

“I hope that this current situation we’re in politically is motivating people to get more involved,” University of Virginia graduate student Sarah Humphreys said. 

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger greets supporters Tuesday at the Richmond Convention Center after defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. (Julianne Tripp HIllian/Richmond Free Press)