(The Center Square) – Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s governor during an outdoor inauguration ceremony at the state Capitol in Richmond.
Spanberger took the oath of office at noon, officially beginning her term after defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in November’s general election. Making history as the commonwealth’s first female governor.
Spanberger succeeds former Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
The ceremony was held on the Capitol grounds, where state officials, lawmakers, and invited guests gathered despite cold and wet weather conditions.
The inauguration formally marks the start of a new administration following weeks of transition planning ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session.
In her inaugural remarks, Spanberger called for cooperation across political differences.
“We will not agree on everything, but I speak from personal experience when I say that we do not have to see eye to eye on every issue to stand shoulder to shoulder on others,” Spanberger said.
She also urged Virginians to remain engaged in the commonwealth’s future.
“We are beginning a new chapter in our commonwealth’s story,” she said. “Will they say that we stood up for what is right, fixed what is broken, and served the common good here in Virginia?”
Spanberger previously served as a CIA case officer and later represented Virginia in Congress before launching her gubernatorial campaign.
Alongside Spanberger, two other statewide officials were sworn into office Saturday. Ghazala Hashmi was sworn in as lieutenant governor, and Jay Jones took the oath as attorney general.
Spanberger enters office with Democrats holding the governor’s office and majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. The new administration is expected to begin outlining policy priorities as the 2026 legislative session continues.
