Who has endorsed your candidate for Virginia governor?

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Endorsements for political figures typically range anywhere from unions to A-list celebrities to high-ranking leaders — to just the average American. Voters have already begun to hit the polls for early voting in the Virginia gubernatorial race.

 The first – and only – debate is set for Thursday at Norfolk State University, hosted by the university and WAVY-TV 10.

While most endorsements tend to strictly follow partisan lines, that’s not always the case. So, who has endorsed the two nominees so far?

Virginia’s democratic candidate for governor, Abigail Spanberger, has received several prominent endorsements. Spanberger announced her run for governor back in November 2023.

Since her campaign kicked off, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) have announced their support for the Democratic nominee.

On June 18, Kaine posted to his X in support of Spanberger. In the same post, he also endorsed Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones.

“Virginia Dems have picked a great ticket in Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones,” his post reads. “And our other talented candidates made us proud. We are unified and battle-tested going into the Fall. Our mission—sweep statewide offices and grow our majority in the House of Delegates!”

Formerly a U.S. representative, some of Spanberger’s supporters have crossed party lines or have split party endorsements.

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association split endorsements for the upcoming election, opting to support Spanberger in the governor’s race while backing Republican candidates for the remaining ballot, including Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid and incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares.

The GOP nominee for governor, incumbent Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, has also earned praises and endorsements from high-ranking political leaders and organizations, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares.

While Youngkin cannot run for reelection, Miyares is hoping to hold onto his seat in the election. 

Youngkin first endorsed Winsome-Earle back in November 2024.

“Winsome has been an outstanding Lt. Governor, and she will be a great Governor,” his statement reads in part. “She has been an outspoken advocate for commonsense conservative principles and policies, a passionate voice for our military and veterans, and a relentless advocate for educational freedom and economic opportunity. She brings the fighting spirit of a Marine to the office every single day.”

More than 80 sheriff’s offices have certified Earle-Sears as the candidate they’d like to see running the Commonwealth. This includes the sheriff’s offices in localities such as: Virginia Beach, Frederick County, Gloucester County, Prince William County, Washington County, Williamsburg-James City County and more.

See a full list of Winsome Earle-Sears endorsements by clicking here. 

Other Endorsements

Spanberger

• Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott (D-Va.)
• President Pro tempore, Senate of Virginia L Louise Lucas (D-Va.)
• International Association of Fire Fighters
• Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
• Former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam
• Virginia Chapter National Organization for Women

Earle-Sears

• Commonwealth’s Attorneys
  • Jack Thornton, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Northampton County
  • Megan Yelen, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Highland County
  • Krystyn Reid, Commonwealth’s Attorney, York County and the City of Poquoson
  • Marsha Garst, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg
  • Scott Hook, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Fauquier County
• Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.)
• Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.)