Witnessing History as the Commonwealth Welcomed Its 75th Governor

By Mayor Derrick R. Wood

January 18, 2026

On January 17, 2026, Virginia marked a historic milestone with the swearing in of Abigail Davis Spanberger as the Commonwealth’s 75th Governor and the first woman to hold the office. I was present at the Virginia State Capitol to witness not just a ceremony, but a moment of transition that carries lasting responsibility for the future of our state.

It was a cold morning, and just before the program began, rain moved through the Capitol grounds. You could feel it in your coat and in your hands. Organizers were thoughtful and prepared. As we walked to our seats, volunteers handed out custom blankets bearing the inaugural seal along with seat cushions to help make the long program more comfortable. Hand warmers were also provided, and when the rain came, clear disposable ponchos were quickly passed out. Hot chocolate was served in commemorative cups. Small details, but meaningful ones, especially on a day that asked people to stay present through the elements.

Earlier in the program, one of the narrators, a local weatherman, told the crowd that the rain would pass by the time the ceremony officially began and that the sun would come out. And that is exactly what happened. As the program moved forward, the rain stopped, the clouds began to break, and by the time the Governor stepped forward to deliver her remarks, the sky had cleared. When the narrator returned later, he was visibly excited that his forecast had been right. Standing there, it felt symbolic. Leadership does not always begin under perfect conditions, but clarity often comes at the moment it is needed most.

What made the day especially historic was that it was not just one swearing in, but three.

Virginia officially swore in Abigail Davis Spanberger as Governor, Ghazala Firdous Hashmi as Lieutenant Governor, and Jay C. Jones as Attorney General. Seeing all three constitutional officers take their oaths on the same day underscored the collective responsibility of leadership and the significance of the moment for the Commonwealth.

Governor Spanberger’s remarks captured the weight of the occasion. She noted that an inauguration ceremony “represents something profound, the peaceful transfer of power.” She also reminded Virginians that “every four years, Virginians have the unique responsibility of choosing those leaders, and today that tradition continues.”

Those words carried particular meaning given that in Virginia, a Governor serves only one four year term. There is no second term and no extended runway. The time to lead is immediate. Day One matters. The tone set at the beginning shapes trust, direction, and impact.

As a mayor whose motto is Success Loves Speed, I was especially proud to see that principle reflected in action. As soon as the ceremony concluded, Governor Spanberger signed executive orders and immediately put her administration to work. Her team was tasked with clear priorities and a focused plan for the first ninety days. That sense of urgency matters. It sends a signal that leadership is not about ceremony, but about execution.

Moments like this are not about access or appearances. They are about alignment and accountability. Local governments are where statewide priorities become real. Housing, affordability, education, public safety, and economic opportunity are not abstract ideas. They show up on our streets and in the daily lives of the people we serve.

The day also resonated with me on a personal level. Standing there, looking at the platform, I thought about my two daughters. About representation. About possibility. About what it means for them to see leadership that reflects the full breadth of who we are as a Commonwealth. To know that their voices matter. That they belong in leadership spaces. That they can aspire to any role they are willing to work for.

The inaugural celebration later that evening carried a different energy, but the same message. It was a moment to acknowledge history, to honor service, and to understand that once the lights dim and the music fades, the work remains.

I left Richmond grateful for the opportunity to witness a rare and meaningful day in Virginia’s history, and grounded in what it requires next. With limited time and great responsibility, leadership must be focused, intentional, and people centered from the very beginning.

History showed up.

The work began immediately.