In a captivating video posted on social media, Virginia’s Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, envisions America’s future. With striking imagery of his speeches at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and a White House-like colonnade, Youngkin narrates, “We can usher in a new era of American values. The stakes are high, and the consequences couldn’t be greater.” The video, funded by Youngkin’s fundraising entity, Spirit of Virginia, resembles a presidential campaign advertisement. Despite this, Youngkin has consistently denied running for the White House, even as influential Republican donors have urged him to challenge frontrunner Donald Trump. However, Youngkin and his team have subtly left open the possibility of a last-minute entrance into the 2024 Republican primary. A former colleague from Carlyle, Youngkin’s former workplace, noted, “The presidential pot is simmering, and he is happy to stir it.”
Publicly, Youngkin emphasizes his focus on the upcoming November elections in Virginia, which will determine the political party in control of the state legislature in Richmond. Nevertheless, the governor, who has met wealthy out-of-state donors and boasts an estimated personal net worth of nearly $500 million, is cagey about his presidential ambitions. When asked about it, he told Fox News, “I’m not in Iowa at the state fair. I’m campaigning in Virginia for Virginians, not around the country.” The speculation surrounding Youngkin’s presidential aspirations highlights his rapid ascent from private equity executive to political figure, defeating a Democratic opponent in a state that heavily favored Joe Biden in 2020. It also exposes the deep divisions within the Republican party, dealing with Trump’s influence and a base increasingly resigned to his nomination in 2024.
Youngkin, a political newcomer, left Carlyle in 2020 after a power struggle with his co-CEO. Having spent 25 years at the private equity firm, his victory in Virginia immediately boosted his standing among establishment Republicans, as he successfully won over centrist suburban voters who had turned away from the GOP during the Trump era. Many wondered if his Wall Street background, moderate demeanor, and focus on education issues offered a fresh strategy for the national party.
Youngkin’s campaign approach was evident during a recent event at an evangelical mega church in Leesburg, an affluent suburb near Washington. Speaking at a “Parents Matter” forum, the governor engaged with over 200 voters, fielding questions on topics such as classroom sizes, sex education, and transgender student rights. A social conservative and evangelical Christian, Youngkin frequently invoked his faith, stressing the importance of parental involvement in their children’s lives. However, he made no references to national politics, the former president, or the present race for the White House. As he concluded, Youngkin appealed to his brand of conservatism, emphasizing the consequences of elections and the need for common-sense conservative governance.
After the event, attendees praised Youngkin, acknowledging his genuine care and professionalism. However, when asked if he should run for higher office, some were hesitant, recognizing the uncertainty surrounding his future ambitions. While one supporter said they would support him if he decided to run for president, others believed it was too early to tell. Despite the positive reception, many acknowledge Trump’s dominant position in the polls, with a significant portion of Republican voters still firmly supporting him. Anti-Trump donors and party operatives have called on popular Republican governors like Youngkin and Brian Kemp of Georgia to challenge Trump before the primary season begins in January 2024. However, current opinion polls show Trump leading with over 55% of Republican voters, followed by Florida governor Ron DeSantis at 14%.
The survey also indicated that while Youngkin had a job approval rating of 51% among Virginians, Trump remained the preferred candidate for nearly half of Republican voters in the state. The former president’s enduring popularity among Republicans, both nationally and in Virginia, has made some question whether Youngkin’s resume and approach will be enough to sway Trump supporters. Campaign veterans, including former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, view Youngkin as an excellent candidate but are skeptical about whether he can attract more voters than the other challengers. They wonder if there are Trump supporters who would switch allegiance to Youngkin, given the choices of DeSantis, Mike Pence, and Nikki Haley. Youngkin’s former colleague believes that he is playing the political game brilliantly, gradually building name recognition without officially entering the presidential race. Predictions suggest that Youngkin will keep his options open for now and run for president in 2028 since Virginia law prohibits consecutive terms for governors.
Attendees at the Leesburg event also hinted that running for president in four years might be a better option for Youngkin. One local business owner and county school board candidate said, “I would love to see him as president at some point. Is it this cycle? Next cycle? I don’t know.”
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