The two candidates vying to succeed Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) as Virginia 's next governor have less than two months to convince voters to cast a ballot in their favor in an off-year election.

With early voting starting on Sept. 19, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA) is trailing former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger , who is hoping to flip the governor's mansion. Both candidates are aiming to be the first woman to serve in the chief executive role.

Still, their battle will be seen as one of the first major referendums on President Donald Trump 's second administration, along with the New Jersey gubernatorial race, and an early preview of the 2026 midterm elections.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer, is heading into the final stretch of the cycle with the Center for Politi

See Full Page