On November 4, 2025, The United States held elections for many statewide and local elections, including races for New Jersey Governor and New York City Mayor. Also among these elections was the Virginia Gubernatorial Election, where former Democratic United States representative Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears by around 488,217 votes, becoming the first woman elected to the governorship in Virginia. Alongside Spanberger winning, Virginia also elected its next Lieutenant Governor, Ghazala Hashmi, and Attorney General, Jay Jones. The Attorney General’s race was marred by controversy, due to leaked text messages where Jay Jones expressed threats of violence over frustration due to other politicians’ viewpoints. Nevertheless, he still won the election by almost seven percentage points.

Students all around Osbourn had strong feelings about the results of this election, with many being happy about it. “I love it. I usually go for Democrat politicians anyways, but I am very happy that Spanberger is our first female governor,” said sophomore Briy Moody. “I feel very hopeful! I unfortunately didn’t do much of my own research, but I know Spanberger aligned more with my personal beliefs,” said senior Ash Stoner.

According to Abigail Spanberger’s website, she supports protecting reproductive rights for women, deployment of renewable energy sources over nonrenewables, and lowering prescription drug and healthcare costs. Spanberger also supports LGBTQ+ rights and addressing the rising cost of education around Virginia. “I like that Spanberger wants women to have reproductive freedom, and I like that she wants to work on lowering healthcare and prescription costs,” said senior June Deeter.

While some students like Spanberger’s platform, others disagree with a few of her policy positions. “I don’t necessarily disagree with what she wants to do with the economy, but I don’t think it’s a huge focus, and I don’t like how she wants to reject voucher programs for public education funds,” said sophomore Isabella Torres Osuna.

Some students have issues that matter the most to them, and they would like to see Spanberger address those concerns in her administration. “I would like her to put some focus into education and healthcare. I’d also like to see if she can provide economic solutions to counter inflation,” said senior Ian Knox. Other students have different policies they care most about. “I would like to see gun regulation laws go into effect. Also, I would like if they removed the phone ban,” said Moody.

Around the United States, the political climate is very heated right now. The results of this election may be motivating for some people, but the state of our country is still hostile for many students. “I generally like how blue Virginia is. I think our state is in a good place, but I don’t like the direction this country is taking. I think Donald Trump is a terrible leader, socially and economically. Trump is one of the most divisive presidents we’ve ever had,” said Knox.

A few of Osbourn’s seniors who were already 18 by the time election day rolled around voted for their preferred candidate in this election. “I was able to vote in this election, and I voted for Abigail Spanberger. I voted for her because we have very similar beliefs and we definitely needed someone to advocate for us and help get us on the right track,” said Deeter.

Current events around the country have made Osbourn students excited to have the opportunity to vote soon, whether it’s in the midterms or in the next presidential election. “I am absolutely motivated to vote in the future. Ever since last November it’s been very frustrating to be so close to 18 and not be able to have a say in my own future,” said Stoner. “I think voting is a very important thing. If many of us don’t vote, it accounts for nothing. One vote does matter, one voice does matter,” said Torres Osuna.

Around the country, Americans from Cincinnati to Minneapolis to New York City made their voices heard. Right here in Virginia, Abigail Spanberger has made history as the first woman to lead our state. Hopefully this election will create a pathway for a more diverse Virginia government and allow a wide variety of voices to be heard around the state.