RICHMOND, Va. — Former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has endorsed U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger to serve as the Commonwealth's next governor. Northam was Virginia's governor from 2018 to 2022, and served as lieutenant governor before that.
Spanberger announced her run for governor earlier this week.
“I’m proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger to serve as the next Governor of Virginia,” Northam said in a press statement. “As governor, I saw Abigail’s incredible commitment to the Seventh District of Virginia and Virginia as a whole. I saw an effective leader, and I saw someone who never stopped working to deliver results.”
Northam's endorsement comes just a few days after Spanberger announced her run for governor. Spanberger is currently serving her third term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"Because she truly listens to our neighbors, Abigail will remain focused on the issues that matter most — creating jobs, investing in our schools, lowering drug prices, protecting our natural resources, defending the rights of all Virginians, and returning Virginia to being the number-one state for business," Northam said.
Northam's endorsement follows that of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia), who was the first member of Congress to endorse Spanberger following her announcement.
Spanberger said she was honored to get Northam's stamp of approval.
"As governor, he guided Virginia through moments of unprecedented crisis and through moments of tremendous opportunity,” Spanberger said. “Under his leadership, Virginia saw real, tangible progress — including expanding Medicaid, signing new gun violence prevention laws, prioritizing rural development, and protecting voting rights. His achievements moved Virginia forward, and his spirit of service continues to inspire leaders throughout our Commonwealth."