Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger made a lively appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on January 12, 2026, blending humor about her impending “Her Excellency” title with serious discussions on federal-state tensions and public trust in law enforcement. The interview, airing just days before her historic inauguration as the Commonwealth’s first female governor on January 17, showcased Spanberger’s blend of wit and policy acumen as she prepares to take office amid a politically charged national landscape.
The segment kicked off with lighthearted banter, as Colbert noted Virginia’s unique tradition of addressing governors as “Your Excellency.” Spanberger, 47, shared a campaign anecdote where an emcee excitedly anticipated introducing “Her Excellency” for the first time in state history—only for a woman in the crowd to quip, “I’m not doing that.” The punchline? “It was my sister,” Spanberger revealed, drawing laughs from the audience. She added that her family keeps her grounded, joking that her husband and kids won’t be using the formal title at home. “They leave the excellence at the door,” she quipped, emphasizing her preference for normalcy despite the pomp of office.
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Spanberger Appears on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’
The conversation quickly turned substantive when Colbert probed Spanberger on potential conflicts with the incoming Trump administration. With President-elect Donald Trump vowing aggressive federal actions on immigration and other issues, Spanberger addressed hypothetical scenarios involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or National Guard deployments in Virginia without state consent. Drawing from her background as a former CIA officer and federal law enforcement agent, she argued that such tactics erode public trust in authorities. “ICE’s tactics degrade the public’s trust in law enforcement,” she stated, highlighting how unmarked federal agents in cities during the 2020 protests undermined community cooperation. Spanberger emphasized that Virginians expect accountability, warning that uninvited federal interventions could hinder local policing efforts.
She also touched on insider trading in Congress, revealing her co-sponsorship of a bipartisan bill to ban stock trading by lawmakers—a nod to her time in the House, where she represented Virginia’s 7th District from 2019 to 2025. “Members of Congress should not be allowed to trade stocks while in office,” she asserted, arguing it prevents conflicts of interest and restores faith in government. The audience applauded, reflecting broader public frustration with perceived corruption on Capitol Hill.
Abigail Anne Spanberger was born on August 7, 1979, in Glen Allen, Virginia, to a federal law enforcement officer father and a mother who worked in social services. Raised in Henrico County, she attended J.R. Tucker High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia in 2001. Her career trajectory took her into public service early; she worked as a postal inspector investigating mail fraud before joining the CIA in 2006. As a case officer, Spanberger focused on counterterrorism and nuclear proliferation, serving undercover overseas and earning a reputation for sharp intelligence and dedication.
After leaving the agency in 2014, Spanberger entered politics amid the 2016 election fallout, motivated by concerns over national security and bipartisanship. She flipped Virginia’s traditionally Republican 7th Congressional District in 2018, defeating incumbent Dave Brat in a surprise victory. Reelected in 2020, 2022, and 2024, she became known as a moderate Democrat, co-chairing the Problem Solvers Caucus and advocating for rural broadband, affordable healthcare, and veteran support. Her CIA background informed her roles on the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs committees, where she pushed for reforms in intelligence oversight.
In 2025, Spanberger launched her gubernatorial bid, emphasizing an “Affordable Virginia Agenda” focused on housing costs, education funding, and economic development. Running against Republican Amanda Chase, a controversial state senator known for her pro-Trump stance, Spanberger secured a decisive win in November, capturing 52% of the vote. Her victory marked several firsts: the first woman to lead Virginia since its founding in 1776, the first former CIA officer elected governor anywhere in the U.S., and a continuation of Democratic control after Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s term-limited exit. The election highlighted Virginia’s purple status, with Spanberger appealing to independents and moderates in suburbs like Richmond and Northern Virginia.
The Colbert interview also delved into Spanberger’s family life, providing a humanizing contrast to policy talk. Married to Adam Spanberger since 2012, she is a mother of three daughters: Claire, 13; Charlotte, 11; and Catherine, 9. She shared how her kids keep her humble, recounting how her eldest rolled her eyes at the “Excellency” title during a family discussion. This relatability has been a hallmark of her campaigns, where she often highlights her working-mom perspective to connect with voters on issues like childcare and education.
On a graver note, Spanberger addressed the potential for military involvement in domestic affairs under Trump. Referencing the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits federal troops’ use in law enforcement, she vowed to protect Virginia’s sovereignty. “If President Trump threatens to send troops to our state, we’ll handle it through legal channels,” she said, stressing collaboration with local leaders to maintain order without escalating tensions. This stance resonates in a state with a massive military presence, including the Pentagon and numerous bases, where federal-state relations are pivotal.
Public reaction to the appearance was largely positive, with clips going viral on social media. A Facebook video from the show’s official page, showing the “Her Excellency” joke, racked up over 797,000 views, with comments praising Spanberger’s humor and poise. On Instagram, users hailed her as a “charming, knowledgeable” leader, with one commenter noting, “Cheering you on from NC.” Conservative critics, however, questioned her Democratic ties, with some X posts labeling her views on ICE as “soft on immigration.”
Local Virginia media amplified the interview’s highlights. WTVR in Richmond focused on the family humor and federal tensions, while WDBJ7 emphasized her affordable housing pledges. The Virginian-Pilot noted her election night shoutout to her daughter for not cleaning her room, tying it to her relatable persona.
As inauguration approaches, Spanberger’s agenda takes center stage. Her “Affordable Virginia” plan includes tax relief for working families, expanded vocational training, and incentives for housing development to combat rising costs in areas like Northern Virginia. She plans to build on Youngkin’s education reforms while pushing for broader healthcare access, including mental health services for veterans—a nod to her post-9/11 CIA service.
Challenges await. Virginia’s divided General Assembly, with a Democratic Senate and Republican House, will test her bipartisan credentials. National issues, like Trump’s proposed tariffs and immigration crackdowns, could force confrontations. Spanberger has signaled willingness to work across aisles, citing her congressional record of co-sponsoring bills with Republicans on issues like fentanyl trafficking and supply chain security.
Her historic role as Virginia’s 75th governor—and first woman—carries symbolic weight in the nation’s 250th anniversary year. Virginia, birthplace of eight presidents and cradle of American democracy, has never elected a female executive until now. Spanberger’s win inspires, with women’s groups like Emily’s List hailing it as a breakthrough. At her victory party, she declared, “Virginia is ready for progress,” promising to govern for all.
Colbert’s show provided a national platform, humanizing Spanberger before her swearing-in. As she transitions from Congresswoman to governor, her blend of experience—from undercover ops to Capitol Hill—positions her uniquely. Whether joking about titles or tackling trust in law enforcement, Spanberger signals a pragmatic approach. Virginia watches as she steps into history, ready to navigate the Commonwealth through turbulent times.
