Abigail Spanberger Makes History as Virginia’s First Female Governor
In a momentous occasion, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn into office as Virginia’s first female governor, marking a significant milestone in the state’s history. The inauguration ceremony, which took place on a chilly day with a cold drizzle, was attended by prominent Democrats and notable figures, including New Jersey Gov.-Elect Mikie Sherrill, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and U.S. Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Adam Schiff of California.
A New Chapter for Virginia
Spanberger’s inauguration signals a new era for Virginia, as Democrats take the reins of power in state government while Republican President Trump occupies the White House in neighboring Washington. In her address, Spanberger acknowledged the gravity of the moment, expressing gratitude to those who paved the way for women to participate in the electoral process. She ran on a platform of protecting Virginia’s economy, which has been impacted by the Trump administration’s policies, including the rising costs of goods and changes to the state’s healthcare system.
Spanberger’s victory is a testament to the shifting political landscape in Virginia, where Democrats have made significant gains in recent years. The state’s congressional district map is set to be redrawn ahead of the midterm elections, a process that Democrats have vowed to prioritize. With Spanberger at the helm, the party is poised to push through its agenda, which includes addressing the state’s fragile healthcare system and supporting rural hospitals.
A Historic First
Spanberger’s inauguration is a historic first for Virginia, which has never had a female governor since its inception as a commonwealth in 1776. She will be referred to as “Madam Governor” or “Her Excellency,” and her husband and other officials adhered to traditional protocol by wearing morning coats and dark suits. Spanberger, however, wore all white, a possible nod to the women’s suffrage movement, and a gold pin that read: “One country. One destiny.”
Other notable attendees included Ghazala F. Hashmi, the first Muslim woman to serve in statewide office in the U.S., who was sworn in as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, and Jay Jones, the state’s first Black attorney general. Hashmi placed her hand on a Quran during the swearing-in ceremony, while Jones was sworn in at the former capital of the Confederacy.
Spanberger’s first 10 executive orders included rescinding a directive from former Gov. Glenn Youngkin that instructed state law enforcement and corrections officers to assist with federal immigration enforcement. She emphasized that local law enforcement should not be required to divert resources to enforce federal civil immigration laws.
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