RICHMOND — For all that separates Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, there are similarities between these two candidates seeking to make history by becoming Virginia’s first female governor.

Both broke into politics with long-shot victories against an incumbent from the opposite party. Each has occasionally rebelled against partisan expectations. And both Spanberger, a former CIA operative and postal inspector, and Earle-Sears, a Marine veteran, have served their country.

Politically, of course, they’re miles apart. National Republicans and Democrats are paying close attention to their differences as Election Day approaches on Nov. 4, looking for signs of what motivates voters ahead of the 2026 congressional midterms and as a referendum on the policies of Pre

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