WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama announced Thursday morning that he is formally endorsing former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) in the race for Virginia's governor .

In an ad posted to Spanberger's official YouTube page , Obama called Virginia's elections some of the most important in the country. "Having the right governor matters, and I'm proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger," he said.

Spanberger is set to face off against Republican Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears on Nov. 4.

Spanberger and Earle-Sears are not only competing to become the next governor of Virginia but also to hold a distinction as the commonwealth's first woman governor. If Earle-Sears wins, she would become the first Black woman to ever serve as governor of any U.S. state.

Who is Abigail Spanberger?

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