Photo courtesy of Spanberger campaign
Abigail Spanberger
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger will be sworn in Saturday, Jan. 17 at noon as the Commonwealth’s 75th and first female governor.
Abigail Anne Davis Spanberger, 46, previously represented Virginia’s 7th congressional district for six years. Her career has also included stints as a postal inspector and as an intelligence officer at the CIA. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia, Class of 2001, and also earned an MBA. She and her husband, Adam, have three daughters and plan to live in the Executive Mansion. The mansion has been home to Virginia governors since 1813, making it the oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the U.S. The Spanbergers will be the 58th residents.
Photo courtesy of Spanberger campaign
The Spanberger family will live in the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
The inauguration will take place on the South Portico of the State Capitol and will include include a number of activities over the weekend, including an artisan and food vendor market on Friday and an open house at the Executive Mansion on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Guests will enter the mansion through the Capitol Square entrance. The event is free to the public, but entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The theme of the Inauguration of the 75th Governor of Virginia, “United for Virginia’s Future,” reflects the collective pride and common goals that will move the Commonwealth forward. The theme also expresses Governor-elect Spanberger’s commitment to serving as a thoughtful, pragmatic leader for all Virginians who brings their voices to the decision-making table and always puts Virginia first.
Here's a look at the weekend schedule:
FRIDAY, JAN. 16: Made in Virginia Market
More than 40 vendors will be featured at the inaugural Made in Virginia Market at the 17th Street Market in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom the day before the festivities on Friday, Jan. 16 from 3-8 p.m., 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St., Richmond.
One Alexandria vendor, Ella Bella Creative, will participate in the market.
The public, free-to-attend Made in Virginia Market will kick off Spanberger’s inaugural weekend. Virginians can browse a wide array of accessories and apparel, wellness products, toys, games, art, paper goods, and foods offered by local artisans, small businesses, and food vendors.
The first 1,000 market attendees will receive a free tote bag to commemorate the Inauguration of the 75th Governor of Virginia and use as they browse the market.
“The upcoming inauguration is about far more than any one person. It’s about the common goals that unite us and the people who shape Virginia,” said Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger. “I’m excited to welcome Virginians to our capital city and to this celebration of some of the businesses, entrepreneurs, and local vendors who are the cornerstone of Virginia’s communities. All Virginians can be a part of the weekend’s festivities.”
Welcome Reception
Also Friday, Spanberger and Virginia’s incoming first gentleman, Adam Spanberger, will host a welcome reception at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Tickets are required to attend.
SATURDAY, JAN. 17: Inauguration
Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
Ahead of the Inauguration Ceremony, Spanberger and the future First Gentleman will host an interfaith prayer breakfast at historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to bring together Virginians across faith backgrounds. Admission to this event is by invitation only.
Inauguration Ceremony
At noon on Saturday, Jan. 17, Spanberger will be sworn in as the 75th governor of Virginia, along with Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones. This event is open to the public — however, due to limited seating at the ceremony, tickets are required to attend.
Inaugural Parade
The Inaugural Parade will take place immediately following the Inauguration Ceremony, with participants marching through Capitol Square. Bringing together organizations from across the Commonwealth’s many regions, the parade will showcase the unity and enthusiasm that is leading Virginia into the future. This event is open to Inauguration Ceremony attendees.
Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources
Governor's Mansion
Inaugural Ball
To bring Virginians together to celebrate this historic occasion and the Spanberger Administration getting to work to deliver for Virginia’s future, Gov. Spanberger and First Gentleman Spanberger will host an Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station. The event will feature live performances, food, and libations from across the Commonwealth. Tickets are required to attend.
SUNDAY, JAN. 18: Executive Mansion Tours
First Gentleman’s Breakfast
To introduce himself to his fellow Virginians and bring families together in community, Virginia’s first-ever First Gentleman will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Science Museum of Virginia. Tickets are required to attend.
Executive Mansion Open House
The Governor and First Gentleman will welcome guests to the Executive Mansion for an open house. This event is open to the public — however, entry is first come, first served.
The Virginia Governor's Executive Mansion is a neoclassical building inspired by the work of the British architect Robert Adam. When Richmond became the capital of Virginia in 1779, there was no residence for the governor, so Thomas Jefferson rented one. The state constructed a residence around 1811-1813 for the governor at the site of the current building. It is the oldest continuously occupied executive mansion in the United States and was designed by Alexander Parris, who also designed the Wickam-Valentine House up the street. This mansion is recognized as both a Virginia and a National Historic Landmark.
Click here to visit the “United for Virginia’s Future” Inaugural Committee website.
The theme of the Inauguration of the 75th Governor of Virginia, “United for Virginia’s Future,” reflects the collective pride and common goals that will move the Commonwealth forward. The theme also expresses Governor-elect Spanberger’s commitment to serving as a thoughtful, pragmatic leader for all Virginians who brings their voices to the decision-making table and always puts Virginia first.
