2017 Virginia gubernatorial election

The 2017 Virginia gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 2017, to choose the state's governor. Democrat Ralph Northam narrowly defeated Republican Ed Gillespie, with Northam winning approximately 54% of the vote. It was viewed as a key political contest, with national attention since Virginia traditionally holds off-year elections as a barometer of public sentiment ahead of the 2020 presidential race. The election saw high turnout and was influenced by issues like healthcare, immigration, and Confederate monuments. Northam's victory demonstrated a Democratic shift in Virginia, contrasting with the previous Republican administration.