Joint assembly convenes in Richmond ahead of oath and inauguration for statewide officials
January 18, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
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The joint assembly of the Virginia General Assembly met in the Senate Chamber in Richmond on Jan. 16, 2026, to prepare to witness the swearing-in of attorney general-elect J C Jones and the inauguration of governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and lieutenant governor-elect Gazala F. Harshman. Presiding officers directed members to assemble and proceed to the House chamber and the portico for the public ceremony.
The session opened with broadcast identification and a reminder to viewers about archived video access on the Senate of Virginia's YouTube channel. Members stood for an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance; delegate and clerical staff took formal roles in leading the pledge and prayers. Dr. Lucretia Mason Underdue of United Community Church in Portsmouth delivered an invocation asking for "clarity of mind and humility of spirit," praising the chamber's work and asking for guidance as officials assume their duties.
Early in the proceedings, the clerk called the roll of senators and confirmed a quorum. Senator Locke, identified from Hampton, requested leaves of absence for several senators who were unable to attend due to personal business. The presiding officers excused inaugural committee members taking part in the inauguration motorcade and gave logistical instructions for members and staff to assemble on the portico for the ceremony.
A long list of visiting dignitaries and officials was announced for recognition, including municipal leaders, federal and state legislators, former governors and tribal chiefs. The joint assembly was placed at ease and directed to reconvene on the portico for the oath and inauguration to follow.
No formal legislation or votes were recorded in the transcript segment provided; the session recorded ceremonial and procedural actions leading directly to the inauguration events on the portico. The joint assembly's next procedural step was to move to the portico for the public oath and inauguration ceremony.
The session opened with broadcast identification and a reminder to viewers about archived video access on the Senate of Virginia's YouTube channel. Members stood for an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance; delegate and clerical staff took formal roles in leading the pledge and prayers. Dr. Lucretia Mason Underdue of United Community Church in Portsmouth delivered an invocation asking for "clarity of mind and humility of spirit," praising the chamber's work and asking for guidance as officials assume their duties.
Early in the proceedings, the clerk called the roll of senators and confirmed a quorum. Senator Locke, identified from Hampton, requested leaves of absence for several senators who were unable to attend due to personal business. The presiding officers excused inaugural committee members taking part in the inauguration motorcade and gave logistical instructions for members and staff to assemble on the portico for the ceremony.
A long list of visiting dignitaries and officials was announced for recognition, including municipal leaders, federal and state legislators, former governors and tribal chiefs. The joint assembly was placed at ease and directed to reconvene on the portico for the oath and inauguration to follow.
No formal legislation or votes were recorded in the transcript segment provided; the session recorded ceremonial and procedural actions leading directly to the inauguration events on the portico. The joint assembly's next procedural step was to move to the portico for the public oath and inauguration ceremony.
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