Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-VA07, announced her fundraising total for her gubernatorial campaign. She is currently the only Democrat seeking the nomination. The only Republican running for governor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, responded to Spanberger’s announcement Tuesday morning.
Spanberger’s campaign said it raised $5.96 million in 2024 — totaling nearly $9.6 million since the campaign launched in November of 2023.
“We’ve seen an outpouring of grassroots support over the last year. Virginians across all of our counties and cities are excited about Abigail Spanberger serving them as the next Governor of Virginia,” said Samson Signori, Spanberger’s campaign manager. “Abigail and her campaign are grateful for every supporter who has donated not only their hard-earned dollars, but their time, energy, and effort. Virginians know that, as Governor, Abigail will get to work to invest in our schools, keep our communities safe, grow our Commonwealth’s economy, and protect the fundamental rights of every Virginian — and they’re ready for her to get to work.”
Sears was asked by Virginia Scope after a press conference if she would like to respond to Spanberger’s announcement. She pointed to Spanberger’s longer campaign and talked about how she believes Republicans are better at spending money.
“Well, considering that she’s had a long runway, I’m not surprised,” she said. “But what we know about being Republicans is that when we when we raise the money, we know exactly how to spend it very well. We will reach the people. And this is not ultimately about raising all those dollars. It’s about how we’re going to govern when we get there, and we will make sure that we support the people. That’s what this is about.”
Sears has not announced her fundraising totals yet, but she only launched her campaign in September of 2024, so it will likely be lower than Spanberger’s.
Recent polling shows a tight race between Spanberger and Sears 11 months before Election Day.