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Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia's first female governor.
Summary
Abigail Spanberger will be sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor on Saturday, becoming the state's first female governor; Democrats also regained control of the governor's office.
Content
Abigail Spanberger will be sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor on Saturday in Richmond, becoming the first woman to hold the post since the commonwealth was founded. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for midday on the steps of the state Capitol and will be followed by a traditional parade. Spanberger is a former CIA case officer and member of Congress who defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in November. Her swearing-in comes as Democrats regain the governor's office and expand their presence in the state legislature.
Key details:
- The inauguration will take place at the state Capitol in Richmond, with a midday ceremony followed by an inaugural parade.
- Spanberger is the first woman to serve as Virginia governor since the commonwealth was established in 1776.
- Democrat Ghazala F. Hashmi will take office as lieutenant governor and is reported as the first Muslim woman to hold statewide office in the United States.
- Democrat Jay Jones will become Virginia's first Black attorney general and will be sworn in in Richmond.
- The ceremony will mark the end of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's tenure, and he is expected to hand Spanberger the key to the executive mansion.
- State Democrats gained seats in the House of Delegates and have announced plans to work with the new governor on issues including redrawing the state's congressional map ahead of this year's midterm elections.
Summary:
Spanberger's inauguration marks a new chapter in Virginia government and several historic statewide firsts. State Democrats have said they will work with the governor to pursue a legislative agenda that includes redrawing the congressional map ahead of the midterms. The ceremony also closes Gov. Glenn Youngkin's term as he transfers responsibilities to his successor.
