who won the virginia governor debate

Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor debate against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears on October 9, 2025. Spanberger was praised for her clear vision to lower costs, grow Virginia's economy, and protect reproductive freedoms. In contrast, Earle-Sears was criticized for frequently interrupting Spanberger, defending controversial stances including a six-week abortion ban with no exceptions, and aligning herself with Donald Trump. The debate was marked by Spanberger's measured, candid answers and Earle-Sears' aggressive interruptions over 60 times. Numerous reports and statements from political groups and commentators called Spanberger the clear winner of the debate.