(WSET) — Virginia’s gubernatorial race is a year away, but the campaigns are in full swing.

Right now, the candidates who have filed are Republican Governor Winsome Sears and Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears was in Hill City Friday for a local veterans event. ABC13 also heard from Rep. Abigail Spanberger. Both candidates said they are focused on fighting for Virginians.

Q: On the economic side for cities like Roanoke and Lynchburg, how do you plan to help them grow economically and do you have a plan that you can outline for us?

“So much of the driving force for communities is the small businesses, the coffee shops, the businesses that are being built. We need to make sure that they continue to grow, especially when cities like Roanoke are also focusing on public safety issues, that community members know that they’re not only safe in their community, without the public schools being strong,” said Rep. Spanberger.

Q: Can you say for cities of comparable size, do you have any plans to economically advance like this?

“We’ve got a lot going on, you know, there’s money going around. We’ve got the Virginia Go campaign to help those who are trying to get a job get retrained, especially with our community colleges and then of course the SBDC, those who have a business, if you want to continue to grow, we have plans to help them do that,” said Lt. Gov. Sears.

FAMILY:Virginia could see the first female governor as Sears and Spanberger eye nominations

Q: Since your announcement to run for governor, are there any specific areas you’ve tried to visit more and why?

“No because we’re trying to represent all of Virginia. All of Virginia needs to know that they’re important because I’m telling you what if you stop paying your taxes, in any particular area we’re going to find you. So you’re important, you’re always important, I don’t want any part of Virginia to feel like they’re not big enough,” Sears said.

Q: Since it was announced that you are running for governor, have there been certain areas in Virginia that you have focused on to get out there and campaign?

“Since I started my campaign, I’ve spent time all over our Commonwealth, the South Side, Southwest Hampton Roads, Central Virginia, Northern Virginia. Sure, as a member of Congress, I spend a lot of time in Virginia’s Seventh District. , but I was recently in Roanoke and in Franklin County,” Spanberger said.

While the gubernatorial election is still a year away, both candidates said they are focused on the economy, public safety and helping small businesses.

According to Ballotpedia, Merle Rutledge is also running for governor as a Republican.