Women Lead

We have reached a truly historic moment in United States political history. With the latest election results in, a record fourteen U.S. states are now set to be led by female governors in 2026, the highest number ever.

In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger defeated Winsome Earle‑Sears by a double‑digit margin, marking her election as the state’s first female governor. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill secured a win over Jack Ciattarelli in a high‑stakes and closely watched contest.

Their victories bring the tally of female governors in the nation to 14, setting a new benchmark for representation.

Among the current or incoming female governors are:

Abigail Spanberger is elected and set to make history as Virginia’s first woman governor. She is formally the governor‑elect and will be inaugurated in January 2026.

​​Did you know: As of 2025, fifty-one women have served as governors of a U.S. State, and two as mayors of the District of Columbia?

Did you know: Ms. Spanberger is fluent in five languages?

 

For centuries, women across the United States have sought public office to represent their communities, their local governments, and the national political stage. In that spirit and in a truly historic moment, Mrs. Abigail Spanberger will be sworn into office on Saturday, January 17, 20026, during MLK weekend. She, as well as thirteen other governors-elect, represent the hopes and dreams of many women across this nation. To paraphrase our own mission statement, these women seek to equip curious thinkers to lead lives of impact, now and in the future.