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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Long-time Charlottesville State Senator Creigh Deeds got a front-row seat, and all of Virginia’s living former Governors were in attendance to witness the history of Abigail Spanberger being sworn in as Virginia’s 75th Governor, and the first female.
“It is the honor of my life to stand before you and take the oath today,” Spanberger said during her first speech as governor. “The history and the gravity of this moment are not lost on me — I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who worked generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today.”
A crowd of thousands gathered to see Spanberger, Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones take their oaths.
“I stand before those who made it possible for a woman to also participate in that peaceful transfer of power and take that oath, and it is with a profound sense of duty to all Virginians that I assume the Governorship and pledge myself to work tirelessly on behalf of our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said.
In acknowledging trailblazers before her, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and former Republican Gov. Linwood Holton, who in 1970 after breaking a Democratic stronghold on that office that existed with the “Byrd machine” urged all of different political persuasions to work together, Spanberger also acknowledged the nation’s first elected black Governor in attendance.
“Governor L. Douglas Wilder changed what so many of our fellow citizens believed was even possible,” she said. “And today, on your 95th Birthday, I thank you Governor, for being here to celebrate this Virginia tradition as we continue to write our Commonwealth’s story.”
Administering her oath of office was senior Virginia Supreme Court Justice William C. Mims.
Mims was a Republican state senator for 14 years in Loudoun County and struck up a friendship through a chance meeting with Spanberger at a train station after Spanberger upset incumbent Dave Brat in the 7th District for the first elected office of her career.
With her family surrounding her, Spanberger took the oath of office from her friend.
One of Spanberger’s first initiatives is affordability with her transition office announcing over the past month measures she wants the General Assembly to take in the session that started Jan. 14.
“We will tackle the high cost of housing — whether you’re renting, buying, or trying to stay in your home,” she said to the crowd.
“We’ll work to cut red tape, increase housing supply, and help communities keep housing affordable.”
Spanberger had a message in light of the immigration crackdowns recently seen in Minnesota.
“In Virginia, our hardworking law-abiding immigrant neighbors will know that when we say that we will focus on the security and safety of all of our neighbors, we mean them too.”
Concluding her speech, Spanberger urged, “My fellow Virginians, as we set an example for the country, the world, and most importantly, our children, let us: Choose to stand united. Choose to serve one another. Choose to act together. As we continue forward, let us be united for Virginia’s future.”
