A candidate in the 2025 Virginia governor’s race is slated to visit Arlington this week for a conference on issues impacting women.
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) is scheduled to serve as the keynote speaker at Rep. Don Beyer’s eighth annual women’s conference, titled “The Time is Now.”
The conference, taking place this Thursday at George Mason University’s Virginia Square campus, will include a conversation between the two officials “on how we can all do our part to secure an equal future where women can realize their full potential,” Beyer announced in a press release.
Spanberger represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, an area south of Alexandria that includes locales such as Stafford, Spotsylvania and parts of Prince William County. Last year, she declared her intent to run for governor rather than pursue reelection next year.
She is currently the only Democrat seeking her party’s nomination in that race.
Because Virginia’s constitution prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms, Spanberger will not be running against current Gov. Glenn Youngkin. A possible opponent in 2025 is Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R), who launched her bid for the governorship earlier this month.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) has also teased a run for the governor’s mansion but has not officially launched a campaign.
In a recent interview with WAVY, Spanberger identified campaign issues including establishing a regulated marijuana market, codifying abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution and removing Confederate names from schools.
As of June 30, her campaign had raised just over $7 million, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. She has received endorsements from prominent Virginia Democrats including former Gov. Ralph Northam, U.S. Reps. Jennifer Wexton and Gerry Connolly, and Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott, per her campaign website.
Beyer, who is currently vying for a sixth term in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District against Republican Jerry Torres, has also endorsed Spanberger.
Admission to Thursday’s event is free, but limited seating is available. More information from the event page is below.
Date and time
Thursday, September 26 · 7 – 9pm EDT
Location
3351 Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22201
About this event
Please join us on Thursday, September 26 for Congressman Don Beyer’s Eighth Annual Women’s Conference titled ‘The Time Is Now’ at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus.
Women have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation as we know it. Their influence has been undeniable, from leading the charge in expanding voting rights with the suffrage movement to advocating for labor rights to rising as some of the most impactful political leaders and guiding the country through challenging times. Their contributions have brought us to this moment, and despite great strides in gender equality – we have a long way to go. The time for an equal future, one where women can realize their full potential is now.
Please note this event is limited capacity.
