A weekend of pomp and circumstance is underway in Richmond as Virginia’s newly elected Republican leaders are sworn into office.
Governor Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares and Lieutenant Gov.-elect Winsome Sears were sworn into office Saturday afternoon during an outdoor ceremony in front of the historic state Capitol.
“Today we stand together on behalf of Virginians who’ve never lost faith, even when they suffered loss. Of Virginians who have not stopped dreaming of a better life, even in the midst of trials and tribulation," he said in front of the historic state Capitol to thousands of enthusiastic spectators. “My fellow Virginians, the spirit of Virginia is alive and well. And together we will strengthen it.”
Miyares and Sears both made history — the former as the first Latino to serve in the position and Sears as the first woman of color to serve in a statewide office.
“No matter who you voted for, I pledge to be your advocate, your voice, your governor,” he said.
Youngkin’s inaugural speech marked a weekend of pomp and circumstance as Virginia’s newly elected Republican leaders took office. In addition to Youngkin, Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares and Lieutenant Gov.-elect Winsome Earle-Sears were sworn in during an outdoor ceremony
The moment opens a new chapter of governance in a state where Democrats spent the past two years in full control.
Youngkin spoke of the hardships caused by COVID-19 over the last two years and pledged to lead the state as the virus continues to rage.
"We stand here on Jan, 15, 2022, filled with hope and optimism for the years ahead. This hope and optimism springs from a shared vision of the future, and also from knowing what we have been through," he said. “We are acutely aware of the struggles Virginians have endured over the last two years, struggles that we continue to face.”
Youngkin also sounded his campaign themes, pledging to cut taxes, “remove politics from the classroom,” raise teacher and law enforcement pay, and boost the economy. He also pledged to keep children in schools, even as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is surging in Virginia and around the country.
“We know that when our children don’t go to school it harms their learning and development. So let me be clear — we must keep our children in school 5 days a week,” he said.
Shortly before the ceremony began, Virginia’s former governors met with Youngkin and outgoing Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam inside the Capitol. Every living governor but Youngkin’s opponent, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, was in attendance. McAuliffe tweeted that he and his wife were “quarantining due to a close COVID contact in the interest of health and safety.”
FIND THE FULL SPEECH HERE: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's Inauguration speech
The Youngkins and Northams also participated in a cordial key-exchange ceremony. Northam offered Youngkin his well wishes, and a lighthearted exchange took place, as well.
Instead of a brass key to a door lock, Northam handed the incoming governor a card – punctured by tooth marks from his puppy, Pearl.
“Did the dog eat it?” Youngkin asked incredulously after he and his wife, Suzanne, joined Northam and First Lady Pam Northam in the Old Senate Chamber in the Capitol for the traditional passing of the key from one governor to the next.
Northam responded, “He tried to eat it,” and then explained that it would give Youngkin access to the back and side doors of the mansion, and the elevator.
“I can promise you it still works,” Northam told Youngkin minutes before the governor-elect took the oath of office steps away on the South Portico.
The couples greeted one another warmly, exemplifying the smooth transition from a Democratic governor to a Republican.
Youngkin, a former private equity executive and political newcomer, deliver his remarks after being sworn in as the state's 74th governor.
He defeated McAuliffe last year by mobilizing voters concerned about education and race while making small gains with suburban voters and other key groups to help his party rebound in a state long trending blue.
Miyares and Earle-Sears both made history — the former as the first Latino to serve in the position and Earle-Sears as the first woman of color to serve in a statewide office.
A traditional inaugural parade kicked off after the ceremony. Participants include members of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia university and high school students, NASA representatives and law enforcement officers, according to Youngkin's transition team.
A celebration is planned for Saturday night that will feature a performance by the Zac Brown Band.
The first of Youngkin's inaugural weekend events got underway Friday morning, when the governor-elect participated in a service event with local officials, helping landscape an area along the Richmond Slave Trail, a tribute to the critical role the city played in the domestic slave trade.
On Friday night, members of the General Assembly hosted a welcome reception at a downtown hotel ahead of a $10,000-a-ticket candlelit black tie reception and dinner held at a science museum.
A prayer breakfast was held Saturday morning ahead of the inauguration, and the weekend was scheduled to wrap up Sunday with an open house at the Executive Mansion.
Youngkin's best friend of over 40 years, Doug Whitmore, gave the last prayer of the event.
The events that took place Saturday:
Spirit of Faith Prayer Breakfast
Faith has been a guiding force and source of strength in the Youngkins' lives since their engagement.
Inaugural Ceremony (Saturday, Jan. 15 at noon)
On Saturday, Youngkin was sworn in along with Lieutenant Governor-elect Winsome Sears and Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares. This took place at the Portico at the State Capitol.
Spirit of Community Inaugural Parade (Saturday, Jan. 15 from 1:20 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.)
The Inaugural Parade took place following the Swearing-In Ceremony and reflected Virginia’s spirit of community and showcased groups from all corners of the Commonwealth. Parade participants marched through Capitol Square, and attendees had a front-row seat to witness the great people that embody the Spirit of Virginia. The parade began outside the State Capitol.
“The inaugural parade will bring Virginians together to celebrate the virtues, diversity, and spirit of Virginia. We are excited that members of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia university and high school students, NASA representatives, the great men and women of our law enforcement, among others will be joining the festivities. This will be a unique and momentous celebration that honors every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Youngkin.
The Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen will lead the parade with a joint color guard representing the Virginia Army National Guard, the Virginia Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force. The parade also featured The Virginia Military Institute Cadets, Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, The Norfolk Academy Basketball Team, James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes, The Broken Men Foundation, Great Falls Boy Scouts, Youngkin for Governor Coalitions, The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Color Guard, Gregory Guard and Regimental Band, the “Highty Tighties," The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, The Charlottesville Cardinals Wheelchair Basketball Team, Hampton University Marching Force, The Salty Southern Route, Brunswick Tourism, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Wallops & NASA Langley Facilities, Richmond Motor Speedway, Martinsville Motor Speedway, Virginia International Raceway, Spearhead Trails, Virginia’s Law Enforcement, Oakland Springs Farm and The Virginia Union University Choir.
Several college and university mascots also attended: Virginia Tech’s Hokie Bird, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rodney the Ram, George Mason University’s the Patriot, the University of Mary Washington’s Sammy D. Eagle, Virginia Union University’s the Panther, James Madison University’s the Duke Dog, and University of Virginia’s Cavalier.
Spirit of Celebration ( Saturday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Boots over ballgowns -- Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin hosted a casual and welcoming gathering at Main Street Station featuring live music and foods from different regions of the Commonwealth. The event featured live music and food from around the state. ($200 ticket Required, Sponsorship packages run as high as $100,000)