Democrat Abigail Spanberger thanks supporters and says "tonight we sent a message" to Virginia and fellow Americans after being the projected winner in the race for Virginia governor.

Former Representative Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, defeated Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican, in Virginia’s gubernatorial race, bringing the governorship back into Democratic control. Both CNN and NBC called the race just before 8 p.m. ET.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger is projected to win the Virginia gubernatorial race and become the first female governor of the state, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger has been elected as Virginia's next governor, the Associated Press projected, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. This win returns the state to Democratic leadership after four years under a Republican governor.