Virginia broke a long-standing pattern with its gubernatorial election in November 2021.  As Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin emerged victorious, it was the first time since 2010 that Virginia elected a Republican governor. 

On the chilly morning of Saturday, January 15, 2022, crowds packed the bleachers in front of the Virginia State Capitol and watched as Youngkin was sworn into office as the 74th Governor of Virginia.

After a performance of America, The Beautiful by the Governor’s School for The Arts, as well as The National Anthem, the Governor-elect and his representatives were escorted to the inaugural platform.

To start the ceremony, Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares made his way to the podium where he pledged the Oath of Office.  Next, Lieutenant Governor-Elect Winsome Sears followed suit in reciting the Oath and was then proceeded by Governor-elect Youngkin. The traditional reciting of the Oath signals the officials’ commitment to their new role of providing the Commonwealth with ethical leadership and public service.

After the inductions, cheers erupted from the crowd as cannons fired and military jets flew overhead.  

Making his first official statement as the new leader of Virginia, Youngkin noted that “Today we gather, not as individuals, nor as Republicans or Democrats, but as Virginians.”

Younkin continued his remarks by introducing his immediate plan of action, including elevating the State’s education standards, setting tax cuts in place and creating new jobs for his constituents. The jobs initiative includes nearly four-hundred thousand employment opportunities and ten thousand start-ups over the next four years. Younkin also emphasized a temporary pause on increasing gas prices and the removal of the grocery tax altogether. As for education, Younkin said “We will remove politics from the classroom.  We will teach all of our history, the good and the bad.”

Overall, his words centered around the “spirit of Virginia” as he gave listeners a feel for what lies ahead for the State. “We’re going to re-energize the engine of the economy by reducing regulations, investing in job training, making it easier for businesses to access capital and get all Virginians back to work,” Youngkin said.

One of Youngkin’s foundational platforms focuses on providing the State’s law enforcement with the proper resources they need to keep citizens safe. “Starting today, we will comprehensively fund higher salaries, better training and provide investments in equipment,” Youngkin said. Each of these key components will pave the way for a stronger and more qualified police force, the bedrock of a stable and thriving community.

“No matter who you voted for, I pledge to be your advocate, your voice, your Governor,” Youngkin said, reassuring his fellow Virginians that he will uphold the responsibility of his new title and follow through on his word.

Youngkin ended his speech by assuring all that “The spirit of Virginia is alive and well, and together we will strengthen it. What we can do together is truly limitless. It’s Day One. Let’s get to work.”