Local News in Virginia

Randy’s Report: Debate Sparks Fly

At Norfolk State University’s Wilder Center, sparks flew as Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears faced off in a heated Virginia governor’s debate. With fiery exchanges over political integrity, LGBTQ+ rights, and parental rights, the debate set the tone for one of the state’s most historic elections.

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By Randy Singleton
Community Affairs Correspondent
New Journal and Guide
NORFOLK

Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the respective Democratic and Republican candidates for Virginia Governor, squared off in a contentious debate on Thursday (Oct. 9) night at the Wilder Center on the campus of Norfolk State. The winner of this year’s election will make history, becoming the first woman governor of Virginia.

Political punches were thrown right from the start of the debate, with Earle-Sears demanding that Spanberger urge Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General, to drop out of the race. Jones has come under fire recently for sending text messages which espouse political violence against the former Speaker of the House of Delegates. When asked if she still endorsed Jones’ candidacy for Attorney General, Spanberger replied that she is focused on running her own race for governor of Virginia and that the voters will decide Jones’ race for Attorney General against Jason Miyares.

The moderators had a difficult time managing the frequent interruptions by Winsome Earle-Sears, who often interjected comments while Spanberger was speaking. The debate was spirited and often went off-the-rails while the candidates discussed transgender rights, marriage equality, and parental rights.

Election day is November 4, 2025. Voters in Virginia will elect the next Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. Elections for members of the House of Delegates as well as races for local offices are also on the ballot.