UVA alumna Abigail Spanberger makes political history

November 5, 2025
illustration of Abigail Spanberger's portrait laid over a map of Virginia.

(Illustration by John DiJulio, University Communications)

Abigail Spanberger, a 2001 University of Virginia graduate, made history Tuesday as the first woman ever elected governor of Virginia, and the first Wahoo to win a gubernatorial campaign in more than 25 years. 

The last UVA graduate to occupy Virginia’s Executive Mansion was Jim Gilmore, from 1998-2002.

“The University has had many alums rise to the governorship of Virginia, and other American states, and we’re delighted to see Abigail Spanberger join this distinguished contingent,” Larry Sabato, a University Professor and a professor in the UVA Department of Politics, said. “She was a standout student while an undergraduate here and has had a model career as a public servant, most recently as one of the most bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives. I believe her governorship will be a special and accomplished one.”

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On Grounds, she was Abigail Anne Davis, majoring in French in the College of Arts & Sciences. After graduation, she entered public service as a postal inspector and later became a CIA case officer, a role she sought following the 9/11 attacks. Spanberger represented Central Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms, beginning in 2019.

“We’re actually welcoming two Hoos to the stage,” Sabato said. “Her husband, Adam, is also a UVA graduate. They are a terrific team, along with their three daughters. Abigail is the first female governor of Virginia, and Adam is Virginia’s first first gentleman. That’s history times two, for the commonwealth and the University.”

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