Early voting is underway in Virginia’s high stakes governor’s race, which is drawing national attention.
Democratic frontrunner Abigail Spanberger, former Congresswoman for Virginia’s 7th District, has maintained a lead in several polls against Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. Spanberger is also outspending Earle-Sears 7-to-1. No matter the outcome, Virginians will elect their first woman governor. The top of the ticket is also expected to shape down-ballot races, but the attorney general’s race could split the ticket.
The attorney general’s race is also poised to break barriers.
Democratic nominee Jay Jones, an attorney and former delegate, would become the first Black person to hold the office.
Republican incumbent Jason Miyares became the first Hispanic American to be elected to statewide office in Virginia and the first child of an immigrant to be elected as attorney general in 2021.
The winner of the race would assume :
Conduct or assist criminal investigations and prosecutions in areas like child exploitation or child pornography, computer crimes, gang activities and other organized criminal enterprises, identity theft, violations of environmental law, theft of state property and fraud against taxpayers. Ensure justice by defending criminal convictions on appeal, defending the state when prisoners sue concerning their incarceration and assisting victims of crime who are following criminal cases at the appellate level.
Enforce state consumer protection laws through investigation, referral, and prosecution of complaints.
Enforce antitrust laws that protect businesses and consumers from behavior that defeats healthy competition.
Collect debts owed to state agencies, hospitals and universities.
7News’ sister station, WSET in Lynchburg, spoke with both candidates about high-interest issues facing Virginia voters. Each day this week at 5 p.m., 7News will share their positions along with analysis from Gary Nordlinger, Professor of Political Science at George Washington University and Carah Ong Whaley, Ph.D., who is the Executive Director of “Better Choices for Democracy” and currently teaches in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia.
COVERAGE STARTS MONDAY, SEPT. 29 AT 5PM ON 7NEWS.
Check back daily as 7News updates this story with more contrasts between Jones and Miyares on the issues shaping Virginia’s future.
Early voting ends Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 4.