Virginia Governor Vows a Smooth Transition of Power

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin welcomed Democrat Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to the executive mansion in Richmond on Thursday to discuss the transition of power coming in January.   

“Our administration is fully, fully, standing by to support in any aspect necessary to make sure that the transition goes extremely smoothly and that Gov.-elect Spanberger is ready on day one to do the job of the people,” Youngkin told the press outside the executive mansion after lunch.  

The governor and first lady Suzanne Youngkin hosted the governor-elect and her husband Adam for a crabcake lunch. The governor described the afternoon as “wonderful”, and Spanberger said it was “lovely.”  

Spanberger noted that the Youngkins had been extremely helpful already, saying that the first lady had given her advice on the transition and what it would be like for the Spanberger’s and her three young daughters.  

Spanberger took the opportunity to speak with the press about her goals for the office. Specifically, she spoke of “increasing housing supply; lowering the cost of housing, energy, and, ultimately, health care.”  

Previously, on Wednesday, Youngkin spoke with the press on the election results: “Every governor comes into office recognizing that they are receiving a baton from the previous governor and will be handing that baton to the next governor in four years.” 

“She will run her transition, and we will support her in that process so that she and her team can hit the ground running,” remarked Youngkin.   

Only three days after the election, Spanberger has already announced multiple members of her transition team, many of whom have a long work history with her. Bonnie Krenz-Schnurman will continue as her chief of staff, a role she has held for the past seven years in her congressional office and her gubernatorial campaign.  

She has also named Karen Mask as the director of the transition team, as well as seven co-chairs and five honorary co-chairs, including former Virginia Democrat U.S. Reps. Jennifer Wexton and Rick Boucher.   

Youngkin spoke of his successes, saying he was hopeful that they will continue into Spanberger’s term. He emphasized the job growth in Virginia, noting that there are 200,000 more working Virginians than when he took office.  

He also extended his blessings to Virginia, saying, “I ask for God’s blessing on the commonwealth, I ask for God’s blessings on the incoming administration, and most importantly, I ask for God’s blessings on all Virginians.” 

Spanberger is set to take office and be sworn in as governor on Jan. 17, 2026, as the commonwealth’s first female governor.

The post Virginia Governor Vows a Smooth Transition of Power appeared first on The Daily Signal.