RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Ever since Glenn Youngkin became governor of Virginia four years ago, the political world has wondered what’s next for the Republican who seems to have one foot in the MAGA movement and the other party’s traditional country club establishment.
He is not ready to say 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.”
What about another role in President Donald Trump’s administration? “Every day I’m incredibly focused on what we need to do to transform Virginia.”
During an interview with The Associated Press, Youngkin insisted he was not looking forward to being replaced next month by Democrat Abigail Spanberger. But there’s little doubt he’s preparing for a post-Trump future that hasn’t yet arrived, leaving someone long considered a potential Republican star without another clear move.
This past summer, Youngkin headlined annual party dinners in Iowa and South Carolina, early primary states that would be natural launchpads for a presidential campaign. The ex-Carlyle Group executive has a personal fortune that could lead to a candidacy, if he chooses to pursue one.
“If Glenn Youngkin runs for president, I’m in 100%,” said Republican Representative Israel O’Quinn, a longtime congressman from Virginia. “I think he’ll make a great president — if that’s what he wants to do.”
Others say he missed his chance.
“You can probably find some red sweater vests” — a sarcastic signature of Youngkin’s — “on sale at a thrift store for $1, and that’s on record,” said Democratic Virginia Sen. Scott Surwell.
‘MAGA Light to Full MAGA’
Youngkin quickly became a Republican after defeating Democratic incumbent Terry McAuliffe in 2021. After mobs of his supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, Trump was still sleeping and some party leaders were eager to find another standard-bearer.
A politician who could energize the MAGA base and court swing voters in purple states seemed like a promising prospect.
But when 2024 rolled around, Youngkin jumped into the race and passed. Trump steamrolled the competition en route to the Republican nomination, then won a second term.
Since Trump’s return to the White House, Youngkin has been a staunch supporter. He embraced the administration’s cuts to the federal workforce and other programs, despite his unpopularity with many Virginians who depended on neighboring Washington for their livelihoods.
Richmond-based political strategist Bob Holsworth described Youngkin as someone who went from “MAGA light to full MAGA” in four years.
“He’s calculated this: That’s where the Republican Party is, and that’s where it’s going,” Holsworth said. He added, “But at the same time, whether he can actually connect to the MAGA base, I think, is an open question.”
Alex Conant, a Republican strategist, was more confident about Youngkin’s ability to straddle party factions in the future.
“If Trump’s political stock declines, the MAGA movement will still be important,” he said. “Youngkin has shown an ability to appeal to both Trump supporters and Republicans who are the first to turn away from Trump.”
Youngkin faced political promise and danger
Virginia governors are not allowed to serve consecutive terms, giving them only four years to make their mark before deciding what’s next.
Youngkin tried to demonstrate political acumen as governor. He charmed donors with his private equity background and suburban-dad polish. In his office in a government building in Virginia, Youngkin has Legos on the coffee table and basketballs on display. Shovels of business groundbreaking lined the wall.
“Virginia is as strong as she is,” Youngkin said in the interview, repeating almost exactly what he told lawmakers this year. “Financially, she’s stronger than ever. Financially, we have more opportunities than ever, and we’re growing.”
But there were challenges along the way, including a legislative standoff with Democrats expanding their control over state legislatures during Youngkin’s tenure. The governor vetoed nearly 400 bills passed by the Legislature, and Democratic lawmakers scuttled many of his initiatives, such as building a new arena in Virginia for the Washington Wizards and Capitals.
Youngkin’s relationship with Trump also ebbed and flowed. In 2022, Trump mocked the governor’s name on social media as “sounding Chinese” and accused Youngkin of not appreciating MAGA support. They later appeared to reconcile, and this year the president described Youngkin as “a great governor, one of the great governors in our country.”
Youngkin returned the favor, saying Trump was “making America great again, and making Virginia great with it.”
However, that embrace did not benefit politically. Youngkin’s chosen successor, Lt. Gov. Winsom Earle-Sears, lost to Spanberger by 15 points last month. Republicans also lost 13 seats in the House of Representatives.
Democrats scored a similar victory in New Jersey, demonstrating the momentum they hope will carry them into the midterms on a blue wave.
Democrats are gaining ground in Virginia
Youngkin pushed back on the idea that Trump’s agenda — and its support — contributed to the deficit, arguing that the 43-day federal government shutdown “became a cacophony around everything” for voters.
He also rejected the idea that Trump’s absence from the campaign trail contributed to the Virginia Republican’s defeat. The president did not campaign in the state and did not endorse Earle-Sears by name.
“He described him as an excellent candidate,” Youngkin said of Trump’s endorsement. “He described his opponent as a bad candidate. He did two tele-town halls, which is more than he did for me when I was running.”
Youngkin can’t blame Trump for the Virginia loss, but Trump’s most loyal allies blame the governor.
“Glenn Youngkin, you ended your political career last night,” Steve Bannon’s Warroom posted on X after the November election. “You destroyed the Republican Party in Virginia for a generation.”
He said Youngkin should not endorse Earl-Sears, who once described Trump as a liability to the party.
Meanwhile, Virginia Democrats also credit Youngkin with their November victory, arguing that he leaned too hard to the right while leading the purple state.
“I think he’s going to look in the mirror and regret embracing all the MAGA bullshit,” said Surwell, the state Senate majority leader.
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Follow AP’s coverage of Glenn Youngkin at https://apnews.com/hub/glenn-youngkin.
