Virginia gubernatorial candidates Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger faced off Thursday for the first and only time on the debate stage in a fiery affair that was combative from the very first answer.

By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America, Steve Peoples, Thomas Beaumont, Associated Press

Virginia is one of two states choosing governors this November, and its election is often seen as a bellwether for the party in power across the Potomac River ahead of midterm elections next year.

By Steve Peoples, Associated Press, Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America

In the race for governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, whose candidacy thwarted prospective primary challengers, will go up against Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears — the only Republican who qualified for the ballot.

By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America