Governor of Virginia
| Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Government of Virginia | |
| Style |
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| Residence | Virginia Executive Mansion |
| Seat | Richmond, Virginia |
| Term length | Four years, non-consecutively |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Virginia |
| Formation | July 5, 1776 |
| First holder | Patrick Henry |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Virginia |
| Salary | $175,000 (2013) |
| Website | Official website  |
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The governor of Virginia is the head of government of the U.S. state of Virginia. The governor is head of the executive branch of the state government. The governor is also the commander-in-chief of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force.
Abigail Spanberger is the 75th and current governor of Virginia, in office since January 2026.
Eligibility & requirements
Section 3 of the state's constitution states for a person to serve as governor must:
- be at least thirty years old.
- be a United States citizen.
- be a registered voter and resident of Virginia for at least five years.
Election process and terms
The governor is elected to a four-year term on a separate ticket. The candidate must have the majority of the popular vote in order to win the election.
Under the state's constitution, the governor is prevented from elected consecutive terms.
Power and duties
The governor has a duty to enforce state laws and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the General Assembly, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.
List of governors
List of living former governors
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References
- ↑ "CSG Releases 2013 Governor Salaries". The Council of State Governments. June 25, 2013. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
- ↑ "Governor of Virginia". www.governor.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ↑ "About the Governor". www.governor.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ↑ "Constitution of Virginia - Article V. Executive". law.lis.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ↑ "Constitution of Virginia - Article V. Executive". law.lis.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
- ↑ Dinan, John J. (2014). The Virginia State Constitution. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-935572-3.