Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, took office in January 2026 and has been seen as a key figure in the party's progressive ranks, following a surge in its ranks. Despite being viewed as a practical, reliable figure in a party that is struggling to find new figure in order to navigate troubled waters, Spanberger's appeal is seen as being a moderate mom and a woman. She has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for her lack of attention to the issue of illegal immigration and for her moderate policy record. She also faces criticism from Democratic State Sen. Louise Lucas, chair of the State Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committee, and nearly half of Virginians oppose a sales tax exemption for data centers, while nearly half oppose a public polling exemption for public polling data centers in the state.