On January 17, 2026, Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated as Virginia's 75th governor, marking a historic moment as the first woman elected to this position. The ceremony took place at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, where thousands gathered to witness the event, despite inclement weather. Spanberger, a Democrat, was joined by Ghazala Hashmi, who became the first Muslim woman elected to state office in the U.S., and Jay Jones, the first Black man to serve as Virginia's attorney general.

In her inaugural address, Spanberger emphasized Virginia's pivotal role in American democracy and the importance of coalition-building and inclusion in the political process. She acknowledged the pressing challenges faced by Virginians, such as rising living costs and healthcare access, which she attributed to federal policies that have adversely affected communities. Spanberger criticized the previous administration for neglecting essential services and fostering fear among citizens.

Spanberger's call for unity and cooperation was underscored by her commitment to inclusive governance, aiming to create equitable opportunities for all Virginians. On her first day in office, she signed ten executive orders targeting affordability and education, which included rescinding Executive Order 47, a directive from former Governor Glenn Youngkin that mandated local law enforcement collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The repeal of Executive Order 47 was celebrated by immigrant advocacy groups, including CASA in Action, which had long campaigned against the program that allowed local police to enforce federal immigration laws. Spanberger stated that local law enforcement should focus on their primary responsibilities rather than diverting resources to federal immigration enforcement, which she argued could compromise public safety.

Spanberger's executive orders also aimed to lower living costs, enhance healthcare efficiency, and improve public education, reflecting a significant policy shift from her predecessor's focus on issues like critical race theory and parental control over school policies. The new administration's approach appears to prioritize economic and educational reforms, addressing the needs of families and communities across Virginia.