Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger addresses a crowd at a rally in Henrico, Virginia, on June 16. Mike Kropf/AP

Virginia’s race for governor has been dominated by economic issues , the government shutdown and the violent text messages sent by the Democratic candidate for attorney general.

But during their only debate this month, Democrat Abigail Spanberger pressed her Republican opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears, over a topic that once dominated Democratic politics : abortion rights.

“In states where they further restricted abortion access, women have died,” Spanberger said. “If my opponent were to become governor, that is what she would inflict upon Virginia.”

In the final weeks of the off-year elections that will set the tone for the 2026 midterms, Democrat

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