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Abigail Spanberger Takes Office as Virginia’s First Woman Governor, Signs 10 Day-One Orders

With Democrats in full control, her first-day orders launch an affordability drive, reversing Youngkin’s ICE directive.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 17: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signs executive orders after being sworn into office at the Virginia State Capitol January 17, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. Spanberger is the first woman elected to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highest office. The executive orders focused on affordability for residents of Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 17: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is sworn into office by the Honorable William Mims, Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, at the Virginia State Capitol January 17, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. Spanberger is the first woman elected to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highest office. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger speaks after being sworn into office at the Virginia State Capitol January 17, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger sits with her husband Adam Spanberger during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Overview

  • Spanberger was sworn in at noon on the South Portico in Richmond, as Ghazala Hashmi became lieutenant governor and Jay Jones became Virginia’s first Black elected attorney general.
  • The new governor rescinded a Youngkin directive that pushed state and local police into ICE agreements, saying officers should focus on crime and community policing.
  • Other orders target housing and healthcare costs, create a unified state response to federal actions, and order a review of how members are appointed to university Boards of Visitors after recent UVA board resignations.
  • She also established expert workgroups to strengthen implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and expand access to advanced math, and signed an order protecting state employees from discrimination, including on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • In her inaugural address, Spanberger emphasized affordability, education and healthcare, pledged support for law‑abiding immigrant communities, and criticized Trump administration policies as harmful to Virginians; she addresses a joint session of the General Assembly on Monday as Democrats prepare moves including redistricting.