Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor

(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,” Spa...