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Spanberger Sworn In as Virginia’s First Woman Governor, Signs 10 Orders on Day One

Unified Democratic control positions Richmond to move on affordability, education and redistricting.

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 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)
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger arrives for inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Overview

  • Abigail Spanberger took the oath at about noon on the South Portico of the State Capitol in Richmond, becoming Virginia’s 75th governor.
  • Ghazala F. Hashmi and Jay Jones were sworn in as lieutenant governor and attorney general, setting milestones as the first Muslim woman in U.S. statewide office and Virginia’s first Black attorney general.
  • Within hours, Spanberger signed nine executive orders addressing housing and healthcare costs and creating a unified state response to federal actions.
  • A tenth order rescinded a Youngkin-era directive requiring state law enforcement to enter cooperation agreements with ICE, and she launched education workgroups and a review of university board appointments.
  • With Democrats controlling statewide offices and the General Assembly, the administration is preparing to advance priorities including affordability, public education implementation and congressional redistricting.