Current Virginia Leadership

In November 2025, Virginia elected Abigail Spanberger as the state’s next Governor, marking a historic transition in Commonwealth leadership. Governor-elect Spanberger, a former CIA officer, federal law enforcement officer, and U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, will take office in January 2026. Her election victory represents Virginia’s commitment to experienced leadership in national security, public safety, and advocating for working families across the Commonwealth.

Virginia is currently represented in the U.S. Senate by Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats who bring extensive experience in state and federal government to their roles representing Virginia’s interests in Washington, D.C.

Virginia’s Historic Political Legacy

Virginia became the 10th state to join the Union on June 25, 1788. Virginia’s first two senators, Richard Henry Lee and William Grayson, took office on March 4, 1789. Virginia’s longest-serving senators include Harry F. Byrd, Sr. (1933-1965) and John Warner (1979-2009). Among those who rose to leadership positions are Henry Tazewell, James Murray Mason, and Carter Glass, all of whom served as the Senate’s president pro tempore. As vice president, Thomas Jefferson (1797-1801) and John Tyler (1841) served as the Senate’s constitutional president or presiding officer. Tyler went on to serve as president of the United States upon the death of William Henry Harrison.

Virginia has been home to eight U.S. Presidents - more than any other state - including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. This rich presidential heritage reflects Virginia’s central role in American political history from the founding era through the modern period.