How Spanberger, Sherrill will address high electricity costs after winning elections

Now that they've won the Virginia and New Jersey governor's races, Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill will seek to fulfill their frequent promises on keeping down electricity costs.

Why it matters: In both states, home energy prices were a top worry for voters — and that's likely to continue in 2026's races elsewhere. • "We suspect the performances of Sherrill and Spanberger could play into broader [Democratic] party thinking about economic policy," ClearView Energy Partners said in a pre-election note. • Virginia, in particular, is seen as a bellwether of how hot-button political issues will play out nationally.

Driving the news: Spanberger's "Affordable Virginia" plan detailed how she wants to lower energy costs. • Her ideas in her race against GOP Lt. Gov. Winsome E