Virginia’s upcoming primaries have become a focal point of national political attention as voters prepare to select candidates for key state offices. Though former President Donald Trump is not on the ballot, his agenda, particularly the policies of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has left a lasting impact on Virginia’s political scene. The state’s political landscape is also set for significant change with the potential for the first Black female governor. The race for the governorship, featuring Republican gubernatorial nominee Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, is seen as a bellwether for the state’s election dynamics and the larger midterm elections. The results of the Virginia primary are expected to signal a shift in the political tide as the GOP looks to consolidate its power after losing control of the state legislature in 2020.