Spanberger's historic swearing-in features local flair
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Gov. Spanberger speaks after being sworn into office at the Virginia State Capitol. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Image
Henrico native Abigail Spanberger was officially sworn in as the 75th governor of Virginia on Saturday.
Why it matters: For the first time in Virginia's 400-plus-year history, there's a woman in charge.
- (Yes, Virginia has had some sort of official leadership since 1607).
State of play: Virginia governors traditionally wear morning suits (formal daytime suits with long tails) to be sworn in, but Spanberger wore white, the color of women's suffrage.
- She acknowledged the historic moments in her remarks, noting that she was standing on the same steps in Richmond where, for decades, Virginia suffragists lobbied the General Assembly for the right to vote.
What they're saying: "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," she said in her address.
Zoom in: That evening, Spanberger and more than 3,000 guests celebrated her inaugural ball at Main Street Station, which included a surprise concert by Dave Matthews, per the Times-Dispatch.
Fun fact: Her ballgown was from Lex's of Carytown, and her jewelry was made by VCU adjunct fashion professor Mallory Martin-Parker.