Answer: A semicolon introduces a quotation.
Step-by-step explanation: The role of introducing quotations belongs to colons. All other statements about semicolons are true; here are some examples:
It rained for two hours; however, his shoes were completely dry when he arrived. (Independent clauses joined by a semicolon and conjunctive adverb.)
I have read the whole thing twice; in other words, you could say I'm an advanced student. (Independent clauses joined by semicolon + transitional expression.)
We were together for eight years; you might call that "long" by today's standards. (Independent clauses joined by semicolon without a coordinating conjunction.)