Abigail Spanberger sworn in

Abigail Spanberger made history Saturday as she was sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor.

VIRGINA - History was made in Virginia Saturday as Abigail Spanberger took the oath of office.
The Democrat became the first woman sworn in as governor of the Commonwealth.

Spanberger, a Democrat and former CIA officer and congresswoman who defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, took the oath of office at the state capitol in Richmond.

“The history and the gravity of this moment are not lost on me. I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who work generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today," said Spanberger.

Spanberger said her administration will focus on unity and addressing issues such as affordability and healthcare.

Spanberger succeeds Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Also sworn into power was Lieutenant Governor Ghalzala Hashmi, the first Muslim woman to serve in statewide office in the U.S., and Attorney General Jay Jones, Virginia's first black attorney general.

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Emma Aken joined CoastTV News in July of 2024, after graduating from Penn State with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in business. While at CoastTV, she’s reported on everything from breaking news, continued investigative coverage, spot news, development stories and a variety of other local issues.

Emma is currently the Weekend Anchor, producing and anchoring the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on Saturdays and Sundays.While at Penn State, she was involved in Penn State Network News, where she grew even more passionate about the news industry. Emma is from Rochester, New York. She loves summer, traveling and spending time with her friends and family. For as long as she can remember, Emma has enjoyed writing, filming and storytelling. She is honored to tell the stories of those along the coast.

To contact her with story ideas, email her at eaken@wrde.com.

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