Spanberger Delivers Democratic Response to State of the Union from Colonial Williamsburg

Governor speaks from historic House of Burgesses chamber where Virginia revolutionaries once served.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:15am

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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response to the State of the Union address from Colonial Williamsburg's reconstructed Capitol building, the same place where Virginia revolutionaries like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once served as burgesses. Spanberger contrasted President Trump's description of a 'golden age' with the struggles Americans still face with costs of living, and said she is working with the state legislature to make Virginia more affordable.

Why it matters

Spanberger's choice of venue highlights the historic significance of Williamsburg as the birthplace of American democracy, where early civic leaders debated and laid the foundations for the new nation. By speaking from this location, Spanberger aimed to connect the current political discourse to the country's founding principles.

The details

Spanberger delivered her remarks in the chambers of the House of Burgesses, the same place where Virginia revolutionaries such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry served as burgesses when Williamsburg was the colonial capital. About 60 people were in the audience, including William & Mary students, Williamsburg City Council members, and state Del. Jessica Anderson.

  • Spanberger's speech took place on Tuesday, February 28, 2026.
  • This year's State of the Union fell during the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia who delivered the Democratic response to the State of the Union address.

George Washington

One of the Virginia revolutionaries who served as a burgess in the House of Burgesses when Williamsburg was the colonial capital.

Thomas Jefferson

One of the Virginia revolutionaries who served as a burgess in the House of Burgesses when Williamsburg was the colonial capital.

Patrick Henry

One of the Virginia revolutionaries who served as a burgess in the House of Burgesses when Williamsburg was the colonial capital.

Cliff Fleet

The president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“Before there was a Declaration of Independence, a Constitution, or a Bill of Rights — there were people in this very room. The people who served here ultimately dreamed of what a new nation — unlike anything the world had ever seen — could be.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

“I am working with our state legislature to lower costs and make the commonwealth more affordable.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

“We know better than any nation what is possible when ordinary citizens — like those who once dreamed right here in this room — reject the unacceptable and demand more of their government.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

“Civil discourse and debate were the hallmarks of Williamsburg's history. Colonial Williamsburg, as an educational organization and living history museum, proudly advances this American legacy by encouraging civic engagement and hosting leaders from all sides of the political spectrum.”

— Cliff Fleet, President and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

What’s next

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation plans to continue hosting political leaders and encouraging civic engagement at the historic site.

The takeaway

Spanberger's choice of Williamsburg as the backdrop for her State of the Union response underscores the enduring significance of the birthplace of American democracy, where the principles of self-governance and civic discourse were forged. Her speech aimed to connect the current political landscape to the country's founding ideals.