Abigail Spanberger Makes History as Virginia’s First Female Governor, Launches Ambitious First-Day Agenda
RICHMOND - On a damp, gray Saturday in downtown Richmond, history was made. Abigail Spanberger took the oath of office just after noon, becoming the first woman to serve as governor in Virginia’s 74 administrations. It was a moment steeped in symbolism, legacy, and a clear message: change is here, and it’s already in motion.
Standing on the steps of the State Capitol, Spanberger addressed a crowd of roughly 5,000, many bundled against the January chill. Dressed in a white overcoat - a nod to the suffragists who once stood on those very steps - she placed her hand on her grandmother’s Bible and officially took the reins of a state now under full Democratic control.
“Inaugurations like this one represent something profound,” Spanberger said in her address. “The peaceful transition of power - uniquely American, and deeply meaningful.” She didn’t shy away from the gravity of the moment, acknowledging the generations of women who fought for the right to vote, and ultimately, to lead.
“I stand for those who made it possible for a woman to also participate in that peaceful transfer of power and take that oath,” she said.
That theme of perseverance ran throughout her speech. She reminded the crowd that Virginia’s suffragists once brought their cause to the General Assembly year after year, often rejected, but never deterred.
And Spanberger wasn’t the only one making history on Saturday. Ghazala Hashmi was sworn in as the first Muslim and Asian American to hold statewide office in Virginia, now serving as lieutenant governor.
Jay Jones, a former delegate from Norfolk, became the state’s first Black attorney general. Together, they signaled a new era for Virginia politics - one that looks more like the state it serves.
Spanberger wasted no time putting her stamp on the office. Within hours of being sworn in, she signed 10 executive orders, signaling a sharp policy shift from her predecessor, Republican Glenn Youngkin.
One of the most immediate moves? Reversing Youngkin’s executive order that had allowed Virginia State Police to operate under a partnership with federal immigration authorities - effectively acting as ICE agents. Spanberger made it clear that under her administration, state and local law enforcement would not be diverted from their core mission to enforce federal civil immigration laws.
“Our hardworking, law-abiding immigrant neighbors will know that when we say we’ll focus on the safety of all of our neighbors, we mean them too,” she said.
Not everyone welcomed the change. House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore criticized the move, arguing it would make Virginians less safe by reducing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. But Spanberger stood firm, framing the decision as part of a broader commitment to community-based safety and resource prioritization.
Beyond immigration, Spanberger’s first-day agenda focused heavily on affordability - a central theme of her campaign. Several executive orders were aimed at tackling rising costs in housing, health care, and energy. She directed her cabinet and executive agencies to identify immediate policy, budget, or regulatory changes that could ease the financial burden on Virginians.
One order established a new Interagency Health Financing Task Force, tasked with strengthening the state’s long-term health care infrastructure and identifying services most vulnerable to funding losses - especially in light of federal policy shifts.
Housing was another clear priority. Spanberger ordered a comprehensive review of regulations and permitting practices that impact housing development, with the goal of reducing red tape and getting more homes built faster.
Education also got immediate attention. One executive order called for a review of how members are appointed to public higher education governing boards.
That move came amid tension with the University of Virginia’s board, several of whom resigned after reportedly being asked to step down by Spanberger. The board had moved forward with selecting a new president in December, despite her request to wait until after the inauguration.
Another education-focused order directed the Department of Education to take steps to strengthen school performance across the state.
Spanberger’s other actions included a directive to review Virginia’s economic outlook in light of federal workforce reductions, funding cuts, tariffs, and immigration policy changes - all factors that could impact the state’s labor market and business environment.
In a move that appeared to distance her administration from Youngkin’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Spanberger signed an order prohibiting discrimination in state employment, appointments, procurement, and public services. It also called for affirmative recruitment efforts across a broad range of protected characteristics.
Saturday wasn’t just a ceremonial passing of the baton. It was the start of a new chapter in Virginia - one that’s already being written with bold strokes.
Abigail Spanberger didn’t just make history by taking the oath. She’s already putting the weight of that moment into motion.