(The Center Square) – Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger has won Virginia’s race for governor, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in one of the most closely watched elections of the year.

Shortly before 8 p.m., the Associated Press called the race for Spanberger as early results showed her leading 55% to 45%.

The victory makes Spanberger the first woman ever elected governor in the commonwealth’s history. She will succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin when she takes office in January.

The election comes as the nation remains in the middle of a federal government shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers across the commonwealth without pay. Virginia, home to one of the largest federal workforces in the country, has been among the states most directly affected.

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