NORFOLK, Va. — On Jan. 20, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were gearing up for their swearing-in ceremony.
Many of Virginia's politicians reached out on social media to share well-wishes for the new administration.
Gov. Ralph Northam waited until the pair were taking oaths to share his support on Facebook. He called the inauguration historic, and said it was a time to "celebrate the resilience of American democracy and embark on a new chapter of opportunity."
Democratic Sen. Mark Warner said the event "sends a message of hope around the world."
Sen. Tim Kaine, also a Democrat, send out a release at noon, just after Biden had taken the oath of office.
Kaine said he was "thrilled to work with them to deliver Americans the meaningful relief they deserve and build back better."
The Biden/Harris team asked people who would have to travel for the inauguration to stay home, and therefore prevent the spread of coronavirus, so not as many representatives as usual were in DC for the event.
Two that did get to attend in-person were Rep. Elaine Luria (D-2nd District) and Rep. Donald McEachin (D-4th District).
McEachin has been an outspoken supporter of Biden, and expressed excitement to see he and Harris get sworn in.
Luria shared a photo taken near the capital, where she was masked and standing in a group of distanced folding chairs.
She said the day would "serve as a reminder of the strength of our democracy."
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-1st District), who voted against certifying electoral votes from Pennsylvania leading up to Biden's confirmation, tweeted Wednesday that he would be praying for the new administration.
On his personal Twitter account, Wittman said "I hope you will join me in praying for the best for the newly inaugurated President, Joe Biden, and Vice-President, Kamala Harris. I pray that the Lord watch over their administration and grant them the will and foresight to do what is right for the American people."
This was the statement released on his official Twitter account:
Today we witnessed the peaceful transfer of power, just as we have every four years since 1789. It is together – Republicans, Democrats and Independents – that we will face the future, and we shall do so as one Nation. I promise to do my part to unite the country, help to heal our Nation, and work on solutions to America’s challenges. I wish President Biden and Vice President Harris the blessings of good health and sound judgement as our nation navigates these unprecedented times, and I remain focused on working with their Administration to improve the lives of my constituents in the First District and all Americans. I am praying for our nation as we move forward as one. May God Bless America.
Democratic State Sen. Jennifer McClellan said in a statement "the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is a turning point for our nation."
McClellan released this statement and shared a photo of her and Sen. Hashmi watching the inauguration:
This is a historic day for our nation. Today, America turns away from the disastrous policies and chaos of the Trump Administration, and towards a brighter future with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris bring hope for Virginians: A plan to get Coronavirus under control, to address inequity, to tackle climate change, and to build our Commonwealth and our nation back better. As Virginia’s next governor, I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to revitalize every community of our Commonwealth and support Virginia families.
I am proud to watch today’s inauguration not just through my own eyes, but through the eyes of my children. Kamala Harris sends a message to millions of women, particularly women of color, that we do belong at the highest levels of government. For my children and millions of others watching today, they know a glass ceiling has been shattered. Vice President Harris has blazed a path for women and girls across America to follow.