Early voting is now underway in Virginia for the November general election, a contest that will result in the commonwealth electing its first female governor. Voters are choosing between Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for the state's highest office.
Alongside the gubernatorial race, several key local and state issues are developing, including the approval of a new gambling facility in Henrico County and a postponed decision on a real estate tax increase in Richmond.
Key Takeaways
- Early voting has officially started across Virginia for the general election on September 27, 2025.
- The gubernatorial election is guaranteed to be historic, with either Winsome Earle-Sears (R) or Abigail Spanberger (D) becoming Virginia's first female governor.
- State regulators have approved a new gambling facility in Henrico County.
- Richmond City Council has delayed a vote on a 2026 real estate tax proposal.
- Local business news includes a legal dispute over a new hotel and a significant property sale on West Broad Street.
Virginia's 2025 Gubernatorial Election Heats Up
The 2025 election cycle in Virginia has reached a significant milestone with the opening of early voting locations. For the next several weeks, registered voters can cast their ballots ahead of the official election day in November. One of the most watched races is for the governor's office, which will have a historic outcome regardless of the winner.
The two main candidates vying for the position are Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Democratic U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger. The successful candidate will break a long-standing barrier in Virginia politics by becoming the first woman to hold the governorship.
A Historic First for Virginia
Virginia is one of several states that has never elected a female governor. The 2025 election guarantees this will change, marking a significant moment in the commonwealth's political history. The race highlights a broader trend of increasing female representation in high-level political offices across the United States.
Candidate Platforms and Campaign Trail
As the campaign season intensifies, both candidates are working to define their positions on key issues. Abigail Spanberger recently participated in an interview at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, where she outlined her policy stances. These discussions are part of a series intended to inform voters about candidates for Virginia's top three statewide offices.
The campaign for Winsome Earle-Sears did not agree to a similar interview. To provide voters with information, publicly available statements and records have been compiled to illustrate her positions on critical topics such as education policy and potential cuts to federal jobs in the state.
The campaign trail has already seen moments of direct political confrontation. On the first day of early voting, Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid appeared at a press conference held by Spanberger, signaling an aggressive campaign strategy from the GOP ticket.
The Race for Lieutenant Governor
The contest for lieutenant governor is also drawing attention. The race features Democratic state Senator Ghazala Hashmi and former conservative talk radio host John Reid, the Republican candidate. This election will determine who presides over the state Senate and is first in the line of succession to the governor.
Key Developments in Richmond and Henrico
While the statewide elections dominate headlines, several important local issues are unfolding in the Richmond metropolitan area. These include decisions on urban development, taxation, and new business ventures that will directly impact residents.
State Board Approves Henrico Gambling Facility
A significant development for Henrico County is the state board's approval for a new gambling facility. The decision came after considerable debate and marks a notable expansion of gaming operations in the region. Proponents have cited potential economic benefits and job creation, while opponents raised concerns about social impacts.
The approval process involved multiple stages of review, and the facility's opening is expected to bring new entertainment options and revenue to the county. The specifics of the project, including its scale and timeline, will become clearer in the coming months.
Richmond Delays Real Estate Tax Decision
In Richmond, the City Council has decided to postpone a vote on a proposed real estate tax for 2026. The delay provides more time for council members and the public to review the potential financial impact on homeowners and the city's budget. The discussion around property taxes is a critical issue for residents, particularly amid changing property values.
Zoning Code Overhaul Underway
The City of Richmond is also in the process of a major overhaul of its zoning code, a set of regulations that has been in place for nearly 50 years. The "Code Refresh" initiative aims to modernize land-use rules to better reflect the city's current development needs and future growth plans. The Zoning Advisory Council has been meeting to discuss the proposed changes, which could affect everything from housing density to commercial development.
"Revamping a nearly 50-year-old zoning code is a monumental task for the City of Richmond, aiming to align regulations with modern urban planning principles."
Regional Business and University Reports
The economic landscape of central Virginia continues to evolve with new property deals and legal challenges. At the same time, state universities are confronting historical injustices through new research and reporting.
Richmond Business Highlights
Recent business activity in Richmond includes two notable events. First, a legal conflict is currently delaying the development of a planned boutique hotel in the Fan district. This dispute highlights the complexities that can arise in urban development projects, even those that promise to bring new investment to a neighborhood.
In a separate transaction, Sauer Properties completed a $3 million deal to acquire two properties on West Broad Street. This purchase indicates continued investor confidence in one of the city's primary commercial corridors and could signal future redevelopment in the area.
Universities Address Historical Injustices
A new report compiled by Virginia universities sheds light on the historic targeting of Black communities. The research, a collaborative effort among several institutions, documents past actions and policies that have had lasting negative effects. This report is part of a broader effort by academic institutions in Virginia and across the country to acknowledge and address their roles in historical inequities.
The findings are expected to contribute to ongoing conversations about reconciliation and restorative justice within the commonwealth. The report provides a factual basis for understanding the deep-rooted challenges that stem from historical discrimination.
