Spanberger Taps Nick Donohue As Virginia's Next Transportation Secretary

By Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

December 10, 2025

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday tapped transportation expert Nick Donohue as Virginia’s next transportation secretary, selecting the VCU graduate to help steer her administration’s policies over the next four years.

Spanberger’s pick comes as she pushes an agenda focused on improving affordability, expanding opportunity and growing Virginia’s economy — work unfolding amid new federal policy shifts that have created uncertainty in long-term transportation funding.

The former deputy transportation secretary was recently heavily involved in developing a funding plan to create a new revenue stream to stabilize Metro service in Northern Virginia, support long-term investments and give jurisdictions, including Virginia, greater budget certainty.

“To strengthen our economy long into the future, we need to make sure Virginia has efficient infrastructure that allows families to get to work and school, businesses to transport their goods, and travelers to see all that the commonwealth has to offer,” Spanberger said in a statement.

In announcing Donohue, she added that “Virginians deserve a visionary leader who understands the vital role that our transportation network plays in building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous commonwealth.” She said his range of experience will help Virginia tackle transit challenges, improve network reliability and prepare for new opportunities ahead.

Donohue, a Richmond native and Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, said he’s honored by the nomination. He has worked with state lawmakers and three former governors on transportation policy, including Interstate 81 and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

He also helped modernize and expand mobility options such as Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express, and developed the SMART SCALE funding prioritization process for localities across the state.

“Transportation is ultimately about opportunity, connecting people to jobs, education, and the communities they call home,” Donohue said. “I am committed to ensuring every investment we make strengthens those connections.”

Spanberger’s inauguration will take place in Richmond on Jan. 17, just days after the start of the 2026 General Assembly Session. She will replace Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is prohibited by law from seeking a second consecutive term.

This story was originally published by the Virginia Mercury. For more stories from the Virginia Mercury, visit VirginiaMercury.com.