Key Highlights
- Abigail Spanberger was elected governor of Virginia in 2025.
- She is chosen to deliver the Democratic State of the Union response.
- Spanberger previously served as a U.S. Representative from Virginia’s district.
- Her election ended Republican control in Richmond and defeated former Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears by roughly 15 points.
The Rise of Abigail Spanberger
You might think this is new, but… In 2018, Abigail Spanberger was elected to Congress during the “blue wave” with a razor-thin margin over incumbent Rep. Dave Brat by about 2%.
This victory made her the first woman and Democrat to represent Virginia’s district since the 1970s.
The Badasses: A Group for Her Own
While much media attention was focused on the far-left “Squad” Democrats elected that year, Spanberger sought to differentiate herself with a group she dubbed “The Badasses.” Alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., and ex-Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., they formed a distinct faction within the Democratic Party.
A CIA Background
Spanberger’s eight-year tenure at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) before entering politics added an air of gravitas to her profile. She worked with the agency’s clandestine services and became an operations officer by 2014, before leaving for the private sector.
Critics’ Concerns
During her 2018 campaign, Republicans seized on Spanberger’s earlier time spent teaching at the Islamic Saudi Academy in Alexandria, Virginia, from 2002 to 2003. “Critics have dubbed it ‘Terror High’ because some students joined al-Qaeda years after graduating,” a Washington Post article from the time noted.
Despite this controversy, Spanberger received two federal security clearances and eventually sent overseas as a covert agent fighting terrorism.
A Governor’s Victory
Following her congressional tenure, Virginia voters chose Abigail Spanberger to lead the commonwealth in 2025. She defeated former Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears by roughly 15 points, ending Republican control in Richmond and setting the stage for her role as a rising star within the Democratic Party.
State of the Union Response
With President Donald Trump delivering his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, all eyes will be on Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. As one of the faces representing the future of the Democratic Party, she is likely chosen to deliver this year’s rebuttal speech due to her battleground district credentials and appeal to swing voters.
Spanberger’s rise from CIA officer to elected official in a highly competitive state makes her an intriguing figure within the party. Her story is a testament to the changing face of American politics, where experience and adaptability can lead even the most unexpected candidates to national prominence.
