Governor Spanberger’s Commencement Speech at Virginia Tech

In a recent commencement address, Democratic Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger conveyed that she believes America’s founders would be “quite surprised” to see her in the role of governor. At the ceremonies held at Virginia Tech and State University, the 46-year-old governor emphasized that American history is “not linear.” She noted that the founders might find her appointment to the state’s highest office unexpected. Spanberger won the gubernatorial election in November 2025 against former Governor Winsome Earl Sears, a Republican.

“Every generation will decide whether the words written in these founding documents were merely ink on parchment or possess actual significance in our country today,” she remarked. “And so do you, Class of ’26. You determine what those words on your diploma mean to you.”

Spanberger highlighted that their diplomas represent not just academic achievement but also the obstacles they have faced.

“Just like our individual journeys, the path of our shared American narrative isn’t straightforward,” she continued. “I think our founders would be pretty astonished by my presence here as governor, and perhaps even more surprised to see all of you in the audience. As graduates of Virginia Tech, we have the ability to navigate our own futures—determining who we are and where we wish to go.”

Reflecting further, she pointed out that at the time of America’s independence in 1776, political power for women was rare. Historical figures like the Empress of Austria and Catherine II of Russia were exceptions. While a 1790 amendment in New Jersey allowed property-owning women to vote, this was later undermined by laws that disenfranchised women and black men in many situations. It wasn’t until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 that women in the U.S. gained the right to vote.

The Governor’s Office has been contacted for further comment regarding Spanberger’s speech.