RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Almost from the moment Glenn Youngkin took office as Virginia governor four years ago, the political world wondered what was next for a Republican who seemed to have one foot in the Make America Great Again movement and the other in the party’s traditional country club establishment.
He wasn’t ready to say it yet.
Does he want to be president? “I’m focused on Virginia,” he said.
Does he want to lead the Department of Homeland Security? “I don’t play that game.”
How about another character in President Donald Trump’s administration? “I’m very focused every day on what we need to do to make a difference in Virginia.”
In an interview with The Associated Press, Youngkin insisted he would not expect Democrat Abigail Spanberger to replace him next month. But there’s no doubt he’s been preparing for a post-Trump era that’s yet to come, leaving a man long considered a potential Republican star without a clear next step.
Last summer, Youngkin dominated annual party dinners in Iowa and South Carolina, two early primary states that would serve as natural launching pads for a presidential campaign. The former Carlyle Group executive has a personal fortune that could fuel his campaign should he choose to run.
“If Glenn Yenkin ran for president, I would support it 100 percent,” said Rep. Israel O’Quinn, a Republican and longtime Virginia lawmaker. “I think he would make a great president — if that’s what he wants to do.”
Others said he missed his chance.
Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Va., said “you might find some red sweater vests” (Youngkin’s clothing signature) at a thrift store selling for $1, which is on record.
“MAGA lite to full MAGA”
Youngkin quickly became a Republican to watch after defeating Democratic stalwart Terry McAuliffe in 2021. After Trump’s mob of supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump remained low-key, and some party leaders were eager to find another standard-bearer.
A politician who can energize the “Make America Great Again” base and appeal to swing voters in purple states seems like a promising possibility.
But by 2024, Youngkin gave up on competing. Trump won a second term in a landslide on his way to the Republican nomination.
As Trump returns to the White House, Youngkin has been a staunch supporter. He supports government cuts to the federal workforce and other programs, even though they are unpopular among many Virginians who depend on neighboring Washington for their livelihoods.
Richmond-based political strategist Bob Holsworth described Youngkin as someone who went from “simple MAGA to full MAGA” in four years.
“He made this calculation: That’s where the Republican Party is and that’s where it’s going,” Hallsworth said. He added, “But at the same time, I think it’s an open question whether he can actually connect to the MAGA base.”
Republican strategist Alex Conant is more confident in Youngkin’s ability to cross party lines going forward.
“If Trump’s political stature declines, the MAGA movement will still be relevant,” he said. “Youngkin has shown an ability to appeal to Trump supporters and Republicans who were the first to turn away from Trump.”
Youngkin faces political commitments and dangers
Virginia governors are not allowed to serve consecutive terms, so they only have four years to make their decision before deciding what to do next.
Youngkin tried to show political skill as governor. He attracted donors with his background in private equity and the grace of a suburban dad. In his office at the Virginia State House, Youngkin has Legos on his coffee table, with a basketball prominently displayed. The walls are covered with shovels from when the business broke ground.
“Virginia is as strong as ever,” Youngkin said in an interview, repeating almost exactly what he told lawmakers this year. “Economically, she’s stronger than ever. Economically, we have more opportunities than ever, and we’re growing.”
But there have been challenges along the way, including a legislative stalemate with Democrats, who expanded control of the state Legislature during Youngkin’s tenure. The governor has vetoed about 400 bills passed by the Legislature, and Democratic lawmakers have nixed many of his initiatives, such as building new arenas for the Washington Wizards and Virginia Capitals.
Youngkin’s relationship with Trump has also been hit or miss. In 2022, Trump mocked the governor’s name on social media, saying it “sounds Chinese” and accusing Youngkin of not appreciating MAGA’s support. They later appeared to reconcile, and this year the president described Younkin as “a great governor, one of the greatest governors in our country.”
Youngkin fired back, saying Trump “makes America great again and he makes Virginia great.”
But the embrace was not reciprocated politically. Youngkin’s chosen successor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl-Sears, lost to Spanberger last month by 15 percentage points. Republicans also lost 13 seats in the House of Representatives.
Democrats scored a similar victory in New Jersey, showing momentum as they look to ride a blue wave in the midterm elections.
Democrats make gains in Virginia
Youngkin pushed back against the idea that Trump’s agenda and his support led to the election loss, arguing that the 43-day federal shutdown “became a cacophony of everything” for voters.
He also pushed back against the notion that Trump’s absence from the campaign contributed to the Virginia Republican Party’s defeat. The president did not campaign in the state and did not endorse Earl Sears by name.
“He described her as a great candidate,” Youngkin said of Trump’s endorsement. “He described her opponent as a terrible candidate. He did two televised town halls, one more than he did for me when I was running.”
Younkin may not blame Trump for Virginia’s losses, but some of Trump’s most loyal allies have blamed the governor.
“Glenn Younkin, you just ended your political career last night,” Steve Bannon’s WarRoom posted on X after the November election. “You have destroyed the Republican Party in Virginia for a generation.”
He said Youngkin should not have endorsed Earl Sears, who has described Trump as a burden to the party.
Virginia Democrats, meanwhile, also credited Youngkin with their November victory, saying he was too far to the right in leading the purple state.
“I think he’s going to look in the mirror and regret that he bought into all the ‘Make MAGA Great Again’ crap,” said state Senate Majority Leader Surrowell.
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