RICHMOND, Va. — A proposed amendment that would end Virginia’s unique constitutional prohibition on allowing governors to seek re-election to a second term has passed the state Senate.

The legislation allowing the governor elected in 2017 to succeed himself in office passed on a 25-15 bipartisan vote Monday.

But a long road remains for a measure which must be passed unchanged by General Assemblies in two years separated by legislative election and then ratified by Virginia voters to become part of the state Constitution.

Supporters say it would make government more stable while allowing voters the chance to oust poor governors after just one term.

Opponents argued that Virginia excels in business, job creation and government efficiency because its governors feel the need to produce in a single, non-renewable four-year term.

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