On Dec. 11, then Virginia Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger tapped Del. David Bulova (D-11) to be Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources in her cabinet. His wife Gretchen then won a Dec. 16 firehouse primary to become the Democratic candidate to succeed him. And in the Jan. 13 special election that followed, she received 68 percent of the vote to defeat Republican candidate Adam Wise. 

“I am so excited to serve as the Delegate for the 11th House District,” said Gretchen Bulova afterward. And to the voters who made it happen, she said, “Thanks for the tremendous outpouring of support.” Thrilled for her husband, as well, she said, “Gov. Spanberger has put together an amazing cabinet, and we look forward to this new chapter for Virginia.” 

David was sworn in at the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond on Sunday, Jan. 18, and Gretchen took her oath of office on Monday, Jan. 19, before the start of the new General Assembly session. There for both ceremonies were their children, Alex, Josie and Grayson; David’s mother, Sharon Bulova; and Gretchen’s parents, Janet and Charlie Reimer. 

Calling their new positions “good news for Virginia” was former Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, adding, “I’m so proud of both of them.”