The incumbent governor, Democrat Tim Kaine, was not eligible to run due to term limits established by the Virginia Constitution, though others in the state's executive branch were not restricted.

This is also the last time any of the following counties have voted Republican in a statewide race: Albemarle, Fairfax, Prince William, Henrico, Sussex, Brunswick, and the independent city of Suffolk.

[4]Moran received many endorsements from members of the State Democratic Party as well as the mayors of the Hampton Roads area.

[citation needed] The race was close from the beginning, with McAuliffe considered to be a semi "front-runner" due to his lead in the polls and big campaign war chest.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell first announced his intention to run at American Legion's Boys State of Virginia 2007.

[46] Other potential candidates for the Republican nomination, lieutenant governor Bill Bolling and former senator George Allen, both declined to run.

[50] Also attending were Richmond Mayor Dwight Clinton Jones, state senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico), and Virginia first lady Anne Holton.

[51] On August 6, President Barack Obama and Governor Tim Kaine campaigned for Deeds in McLean, Virginia.

[52] Deeds is from Bath County, Virginia, a rural area of fewer than 5,000 people, where John McCain received over 55% of the vote.