Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive orders on her first day in office, laying out an early agenda centered on lowering costs for families, strengthening public education and protecting the state’s economy.
Sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor, Spanberger signed the orders Saturday at the State Capitol, describing them as the opening steps of an administration focused on practical solutions and measurable results.
“Today, we are responding to the moment,” Spanberger said. “We are setting the tone for what Virginians can expect over the next four years: pragmatic leadership focused on lowering costs and delivering results.”
Three of the executive orders directly target affordability. One directs state agencies to submit reports within 90 days identifying ways to reduce the overall cost of living. Another creates an Interagency Health Financing Task Force charged with improving efficiency and lowering healthcare costs across state programs. A third order calls for a comprehensive review of housing-related regulations and permitting practices to identify barriers that contribute to high housing costs and slow development.
Education is another major focus of the initial orders. Several directives aim to strengthen academic performance in public schools, with an emphasis on literacy and mathematics instruction. One order requires a review of the state’s school performance and accountability framework, while also launching a statewide listening tour to gather input from students, parents and educators.
Spanberger also ordered a review of governance at Virginia’s public colleges and universities, including appointments to higher education boards, as part of broader efforts to ensure accountability and effective oversight.
Other executive actions address the potential impact of federal workforce reductions, tariffs and healthcare cuts on Virginia’s economy. Additional orders establish protocols related to emergency authority and the role of the governor’s chief of staff.
One executive order establishes a statewide equal opportunity policy. Another rescinds a prior law enforcement directive related to cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.
Together, the orders outline the Spanberger administration’s early priorities, signaling a focus on affordability, education outcomes and administrative accountability as she begins her term.