On a freezing, rainy, and cloudy day, Abigail Spanberger made history on January 17, 2026, becoming the first woman Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Governor Spanberger was sworn in by Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia William C. Mims on the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The ceremony was marked by ceremonial cannon fire and flyovers by military aircraft as part of the inauguration.

Shortly after taking the oath as the Commonwealth’s 75th Governor, she reflected on the continuity of democratic tradition. “75 times in Virginia’s story in history, we have witnessed this transfer from one governor to the next 75 times a Governor has taken this oath, and so many of those times it’s been right here on these steps that those words have been spoken,” she said.

Calling the moment the honor of her life, Governor Spanberger added that “the history and the gravity of this moment are not lost on me.”

“I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who worked generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today?” she said. “I stand before those who made it possible for a woman to also participate in that peaceful transfer of power and take that oath. It is with a profound sense of duty to all Virginians that I assume the governorship and pledge myself to work tirelessly on behalf of our Commonwealth.”

Governor Spanberger described the inauguration as emblematic of the peaceful transfer of power, calling it a defining feature of American democracy. She referred to it as a “cornerstone of our American democratic experiment,” a tradition begun by Virginian George Washington and “carried forth every time we celebrate an election and the inauguration of new leaders who will be entrusted to govern and serve.”

“Every four years, Virginians have the unique responsibility of choosing those leaders as we all write the next chapter of our Commonwealth story, and today that tradition continues,” she said. The Governor thanked outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin for their cooperation during the transition. She also thanked outgoing Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, whom she called a “trailblazer,” Attorney General Jason Miyares, and members of the Youngkin administration.

Reflecting on Virginia’s founding, Governor Spanberger noted that the Commonwealth’s first constitution, written 250 years ago, deliberately used the term “commonwealth.” She posed and answered a question about the distinction. “There is no difference in how we operate or function as a state. The difference lies in the intentions of our forefathers and the choice to indicate that here our government should serve the common good that the voices of everyday Virginians, not Kings, not Aristocrats, and not oligarchs.”

She emphasized that government should be driven by the voices of everyday Virginians and said the state’s prosperity depends on unity. Virginians, she said, must join in “common cause, find common ground and pursue common purpose,” calling that principle central to the idea of a Commonwealth and to Virginia’s future.

Addressing national concerns, Governor Spanberger said many Virginians are worried about the “recklessness” coming out of Washington. “You are worried about policies that are hurting our communities, cutting health care access, imperiling rural hospitals and driving up costs,” she said. She added that Virginians are concerned about policies “closing off markets, hurting innovation and private industry and attacking those who have devoted their lives to public service.”

She also spoke of fears tied to rising inequality and instability, saying Virginians are troubled by an administration “that is gilding buildings while schools crumble, breaking the social safety net and sowing fear across our communities,” and betraying American values celebrated on inauguration day.

Turning to affordability, Governor Spanberger said costs across the Commonwealth continue to rise, from groceries and medicine to childcare, electricity, rent, and mortgages. “Families are strained. Kids are stressed, and so much just seems to be getting harder and harder,” she said.

Acknowledging differing perspectives, she said those attending the ceremony or watching from home may disagree with her assessment. “Your perspective may differ from mine, but that does not preclude us from working together where we may find common cause,” she emphasized.

Governor Spanberger said her priorities are shaped by her upbringing and professional experience. She described growing up in a family rooted in service, with a father in law enforcement and a mother in nursing. 

Reflecting on her work as a CIA officer, she said, “I worked to combat the greatest threats facing America. I worked to keep our nation safe at home and abroad, and I saw firsthand that the world is safer when the United States shows our mighty strength through the lives we save, the diseases we eradicate, the technologies we create, and the leadership we show on a global stage.”

As a mother of three daughters, she said their safety, health, education, and future are paramount to her, while acknowledging that many parents struggle despite working hard to make ends meet. She noted that families often worry about putting food on the table, taking a sick child to the doctor, or keeping the lights on.

“When today is so uncertain, it is hard to dream big for tomorrow,” she said. “Today, I stand before you on these steps, not only as Virginia’s 75th Governor, but as someone who believes it is our duty to write the next chapter of our Commonwealth story.” She added, “It is our duty to demonstrate for the generations to come that when faced with hardship, challenges, divisions, and even bitterness, we too forged a path forward and pursued progress.”

Outlining her agenda, Governor Spanberger said the administration will work to make life more affordable by addressing housing costs for renters and homeowners through cutting red tape, increasing housing supply, and supporting local affordability efforts.

The plan also calls for lowering energy costs “by producing more energy and ensuring that high energy users pay their fair share,” while confronting what she described as an impending health care crisis. “We will protect access to care, crack down on middlemen driving up drug prices, and make sure Virginians are not pushed into crippling medical debt because of a single emergency,” she said.

Education is another central priority, with Governor Spanberger pledging to make Virginia’s public schools “the best in the nation.” She said the focus will be on strengthening reading and math foundations, preparing students for long term success, and investing in schools and educators.

On economic growth, the agenda includes expanding opportunity across every region of the Commonwealth. “We will invest in apprenticeships and job training for the future, bring capital investment to all corners of Virginia, stand up for workers including our federal workforce, and expand opportunities for agriculture, farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and farm families,” she said.

Governor Spanberger also highlighted public safety and community well-being, pledging action to prevent gun violence, support Virginians struggling with addiction, and address the mental health crisis affecting children and communities. She added that law-abiding immigrant communities are an essential part of Virginia’s safety and security.

Calling for bipartisan cooperation, she said, “We will write this next chapter together. No leader has ever made progress alone.” Addressing members of the General Assembly from both parties, she added, “We may not agree on every issue, but we do not have to see eye to eye on everything to stand shoulder to shoulder on others. Virginia has always been a place where we confront challenges, build coalitions, and prove that democracy still works.”

Governor Spanberger said she is looking forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones as the new administration begins its four-year term.

Lt. Governor Hashmi also made history as the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. She was sworn in by Chief Justice Cleo Powell of the Supreme Court of Virginia and took her oath of office on the Quran.

Attorney General Jay Jones was sworn in by Lyn M. Simmons, Chief Judge of the Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

Ahead of the inauguration, outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin formally handed over the key to the Executive Mansion to Governor Spanberger and her family in a traditional ceremony.

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