Virginia governor‑elect Abigail Spanberger asked the University of Virginia Board of Visitors to pause its presidential search until she takes office and appoints new board members, arguing the current board lacks full statutory legitimacy. Spanberger cited multiple contested appointments and a recent court ruling that left several seats in legal limbo. Her letter amplifies an ongoing governance dispute at a flagship public university where board composition and appointment processes now face legal and political scrutiny. The request raises immediate operational questions for UVA’s leadership transition and underscores how state politics are reshaping public university governance.