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Rain stopped just as Virginia’s inauguration began at noon under gray skies at the state Capitol in Richmond, where Abigail Davis Spanberger took office as the commonwealth’s 75th governor—and the first woman to hold the job.
The ceremony’s central message was unity in a divided political climate. Father Jim Curran of Norfolk’s Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception opened with a prayer asking that Virginians recognize one another’s humanity and open their hearts to those with whom they disagree.
With the Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson behind them and their spouses at their sides, Virginia’s three new statewide leaders took their oaths of office: Attorney General Jay Jones, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi and Governor Spanberger.
Spanberger, a mother of three, previously served three terms in Congress and worked as a CIA officer.
Nine former Virginia governors attended the ceremony. Spanberger recognized Douglas Wilder, the nation’s first African American governor, who celebrated his 95th birthday that day.
A Warning Against Division
Spanberger began her inaugural address by thanking her parents for modeling public service and emphasizing the importance of her three daughters.
She described the peaceful transfer of power as a profound tradition established by George Washington, calling the governorship “the honor of my life.”
Turning to Virginia’s past, Spanberger quoted the state’s first governor, Patrick Henry, who warned in 1799 against splitting into factions that could destroy the union. She said the challenge remains unresolved and that the work of improving American democracy has never been complete.
Her all-white clothing evoked the suffragists who fought for women’s voting rights more than a century ago. She also recalled Republican Gov. Linwood Holton’s resistance to segregationists in 1970 and his declaration that Virginians could no longer remain divided into opposing political camps.
Spanberger said the day ultimately needed to focus on Virginia’s future and the story its residents would create together. She urged Virginians to repair what is not working and criticized “recklessness coming out of Washington” without naming the president.
She condemned an administration she said was gilding buildings as schools deteriorated, weakening the social safety net and spreading fear in communities.
Spanberger pledged to reduce the cost of housing, child care and health care, strengthen public education and address gun violence. She also promised that Virginia’s law-abiding immigrant residents would be included in efforts to protect the safety and security of every community.
Invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Pilgrimage of Prayer, Spanberger called for a path based on “Promise, Progress and Prosperity” instead of politics or partisanship.
She ended by asking Virginians to stand together, serve one another and act collectively.
Prayers for Civility and Peace
In his benediction, Dr. Lance D. Watson of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond prayed for civility and encouraged Virginians to embrace their unity.
Chickahominy Chief Stephen R. Adkins led a Blessing of the Ground, asking the Creator to heal the land and bring peace. He also acknowledged the Indigenous people whose blood was shed on the site as they defended the land from tyranny.
Watson thanked Spanberger for the hope her inauguration represented.
Former 8th District Rep. Jim Moran offered a similar assessment after the ceremony, praising Spanberger’s emphasis on practical government, bipartisan cooperation and inclusion.
Virginia’s Diversity Takes Center Stage
A parade around the Capitol followed the inauguration, featuring firefighters, state park rangers, step dancers, university mascots and other groups from across Virginia.
About 1,500 Virginia Military Institute cadets marched in formation as bagpipes played. Colonial Williamsburg’s fifers and drummers highlighted Virginia’s role in American independence nearly 250 years ago.
Bands, choirs, Virginia National Guard members, Crooked Road fiddlers, Bollywood dancers and the Hasang Korean School of Dance team also performed. When the Girl Scouts passed the reviewing area, the announcer jokingly asked Spanberger how many boxes of Thin Mints she wanted.
The new governor clapped, moved with the music and blew kisses to participants throughout the parade. Hashmi also appeared to enjoy the celebration.
Inaugural Attire Bound for a Museum
Spanberger wore white from head to toe, including a floor-length coat and white gloves. Her husband, Adam Spanberger, wore a formal morning coat, vest and ivory ascot.
Male members of the General Assembly serving on the Inaugural Committee also wore morning coats, continuing a Virginia tradition.
Several news organizations reported that the Spanbergers plan to donate their inaugural clothing to the Valentine museum in Richmond. The first gentleman’s outfit is expected to be exhibited alongside the inaugural gowns of former Virginia first ladies.
With temperatures around 46 degrees and misty showers falling before the ceremony, free clear ponchos supplied by the Inaugural Committee proved useful. Attendees bundled themselves in heavy coats, rain gear, scarves, hats and gloves, but the cold and damp weather did little to diminish the celebration.