Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger
- January 17, 2026 - Current
- Democratic
- August 7, 1979
- New Jersey
- University of Virginia; Purdue University
- Husband: Adam Spanberger; 3 Children
- U.S. Representative
- Government Service
About
Abigail Davis Spanberger made history as the first woman elected as Governor of Virginia. A native of Red Bank, New Jersey, she grew up moving frequently before her family settled in Virginia during her teen years. Spanberger earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Purdue University, and went on to serve as an operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006 to 2014, working on intelligence gathering related to national security.
The Governor entered electoral politics in 2018, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat representing Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. She unseated a long-term Republican incumbent and was reelected in 2020 and 2022, becoming known for her centrist approach and willingness to work across party lines during her three terms in Congress. Her background in national security and pragmatic style helped her stand out during an era of heightened partisanship in Washington.
She lives in Glen Allen, Virginia, with her husband, Adam, and their three daughters, and her historic election reflects both her personal journey from intelligence work to public service and her broader impact on Virginia politics.