Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger spar over abortion in Virginia
October 20, 2025
Virginia is the last Southern state that has not passed new abortion restrictions since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a national constitutional right to the procedure. Abortion could shape Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial election and legislative control in Richmond. Democrat Abigail Spanberger backs abortion rights. Republican Winsome Earle-Sears opposes abortion rights. Each candidate is trying to cast the other as the extremist on abortion. Virginia lawmakers are considering a proposed state constitutional amendment that would protect broad abortion access as it stands. Abortion rights supporters have just a one-seat majority in the state House of Delegates. Both parties nationally are watching the campaign ahead of the 2026 midterms.