“I have not forgotten the history and the gravity of this moment,” Spanberger said in a speech that at times criticized partisan politics in Washington.
Virginia’s first female governor, Abigail Spanberger, takes the oath of office.
Abigail Spanberger, Virginia’s first female Democratic governor, took the oath of office at the state capitol in Richmond, Virginia.
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Abigail Davis Spanberger, a former House Democrat and CIA employee, took the oath of office on January 17th, holding her grandmother’s Bible in hand, becoming the first female governor in Virginia’s history.
“It is the honor of my life to stand before you today and take the oath of office. I have not forgotten the history and the significance of this moment,” Spanberger said in a speech on the south portico of the Virginia State Capitol, at times indirectly criticizing President Donald Trump and partisan politics in Washington.
“I remain forever grateful to the generations of people who have worked hard to ensure that women participate in the voting public, but who could have only dreamed that a day like today would come?” said Spanberger.
The outdoor ceremony, held on the south portico of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, was full of pomp and atmosphere.
Male lawmakers wore tuxedo-like “morning jackets,” formal wear with long tails, while female participants wore dark colors, in keeping with Virginia political tradition.
Hymns were sung, prayers were said, and the Hampton University Concert Choir performed the Star-Spangled Banner. Members of 11 Virginia Indian tribes participated in a “celebratory dance” to celebrate the site and Mr. Spanberger’s inauguration.
Spanberger was wearing brightly colored clothing, including a long white winter coat and white gloves. Amid cheers, she waved to a crowd of dignitaries, including outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the state’s Democratic senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
Mr. Spanberger capped a rapid political rise and succeeded him as the 75th Congressman.th Old Dominion leaders spoke in the state capital around 12:30 p.m. on a cold, damp day. She was accompanied by her parents and sisters, husband Adam and three daughters, whom she described as “my everything”.
A day filled with history in many ways
In a state steeped in political history and tradition, Saturday’s inauguration was unprecedented in other ways as well.
It’s not just that Spanberger is the first woman elected to federal leadership since the Union became a state in 1788.
Ghazala Hashmi is also the first Indian-born woman to be elected lieutenant governor and reportedly the first Muslim woman to be elected to a statewide office in the United States.
Jay Jones then became the state’s attorney general, becoming the first black man to hold the position.
Mr. Spanberger was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and served three terms before choosing to leave Congress. Last November, she defeated her opponent, Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears, who was also in attendance.
Spanberger’s 15-point victory was seen as a boost for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
During the campaign, Spanberger touted his background as a CIA case officer, known in layman’s terms as a spy. Her official bio doesn’t mention the sensitive details of her mission, but it does say that she “worked undercover to understand the threats facing the United States, prevent terrorist attacks, counter the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and track transnational criminal organizations.”
In his speech, Spanberger focused on the challenges facing Virginia and the nation and the importance of maintaining America’s strong presence on the world stage in areas such as security, health, and human rights.
She did not specifically criticize Mr. Trump. But Spanberger took aim at political tensions in the capital, with an administration she suggested was more interested in “gilded buildings” than making government work for the people.
“I know many of you are concerned about the recklessness coming out of Washington. You are concerned about policies that are hurting your communities, cutting access to health care, putting local hospitals at risk and driving up costs,” Spanberger said. “You are concerned about policies in Washington that shut down markets, harm innovation and private industry, and attack people who have dedicated their lives to public service.”
“You’re worried about a government that’s putting gold leaf on buildings, tearing down our social safety net, instilling fear in entire communities, and betraying our values as Americans and the very values we’re celebrating here with this action, while our schools are falling apart,” Spanberger said.
The inaugural parade was held immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
Ms. Spanberger and her husband, Virginia’s new First Gentleman, were also scheduled to host an inaugural ball Saturday night at Main Street Station. A first-come, first-served open house will be held on Sunday at the executive residence where the governor lives.
