Virginia Constitution Still Uses Gendered Governor Language

Virginia's constitution refers to the governor as "he," a feature that has drawn comparisons to recent changes in Maine and a failed amendment in South Dakota.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Women’s Issues

Virginia Constitution Still Uses Gendered Governor Language

Live Poll

Should Virginia's constitution be updated to remove gender-specific language about the governor?

Virginia's constitution still uses gender-specific references to the governor, including the phrases "he shall hold office" and "he shall communicate to the General Assembly," as Abigail Spanberger serves as the state's first woman governor. The administration has not publicly stated a position on revising that language.

Why it matters

The wording raises a practical question for Virginia readers about whether state founding documents should reflect the current composition of its leadership. Maine's 2019 bill and South Dakota's 2024 vote show how states have approached similar language, with differing outcomes.

A 727-person South Dakota voter survey found Republicans were generally less supportive of gender-neutral constitutional language than other groups. Maine's Office of the Revisor of Statutes estimated 10 to 12 years to review its 40 statutory titles, and no Virginia timeline has been set.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

Abigail Spanberger is Virginia's first woman governor, elected in 2025 and serving as the state's chief executive.

Marcus Simon

Marcus Simon is a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing Fairfax County.

David Reid

David Reid is a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing Loudoun County.

The details

Virginia's constitution refers to the governor using male pronouns. Maine passed a unanimous bill in 2019 replacing gendered references with office-focused wording, while South Dakota voters rejected a similar constitutional amendment in November 2024. In Virginia, Del. Marcus Simon's 2020 measure replaced "husband" and "wife" in the state code with gender-neutral terms.

2019: Maine passes bill removing gendered pronouns from governor references.
2020: Virginia passes measures on county board titles and gender-neutral state code terms.
November 2024: South Dakota voters reject gender-neutral constitutional amendment.
November 2025: Abigail Spanberger elected Virginia's first woman governor.

Gender-Neutral Language Efforts

Maine's unanimous 2019 bill removing gendered pronouns from governor references set an early model for revising state constitutions. South Dakota voters' rejection of a similar amendment in November 2024 shows that the approach has not gained uniform support across states.

Any change to the constitution's gendered wording would require action by Virginia lawmakers, and no proposal has been announced. For now, the existing language remains in effect for residents and officials.

The takeaway

Revisions to founding documents often move slowly, and Virginia's path will depend on whether lawmakers choose to take up the question. Readers following state governance can track future General Assembly sessions for any proposed changes.