WATCH: Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor at historic inauguration

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Abigail Spanberger was sworn into office as Virginia's 75th governor on Saturday. She is the first woman to hold the position in the history of the commonwealth.

The inauguration ceremony began shortly after noon -- with special coverage previewing the event starting earlier on the WRIC+ Smart TV app.

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

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger waves as her husband Adam Spanberger applauds during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Va. Gov. Glenn Youngkin arrives with his wife before Virginia gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger inauguration at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Jay Jones is sworn in as Attorney General at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Ghazala Hashmi takes the oath of office for Lt. Governor during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. .(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Abigail Spanberger takes the oath for Governor of Virginia during inaugural activities at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

"It is the honor of my life to stand before you and take the oath today," Spanberger said as part of her inauguration speech. "The history and the gravity of this moment are not lost on me."

Spanberger previously served as the U.S. Representative of Virginia's 7th district from 2015 to 2025. She also served as a CIA case officer from 2006 to 2014.

Former state senator Ghazala Hashmi was also sworn in as the commonwealth's lieutenant governor. She is the first Asian-American and Muslim elected to statewide office in Virginia.

Jay Jones was sworn in as Virginia's first Black attorney general. He previously served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for the 89th district.