In the heart of his relentless campaign to bolster Republicans in this November’s statewide elections, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is steering clear of the whirlwind surrounding whispers about a potential 2024 presidential run.
Encouragement from supporters for him to join the GOP nomination race has echoed through the corridors of politics, yet Youngkin says he remains steadfast in his commitment to the pivotal goals of 2023.
Speaking with Fox News Digital during a recent event in Manassas, Virginia, Youngkin reaffirmed his team’s dedication to the present moment.
“The most important election in the nation, I believe, is Virginia this year. We are laser focused on holding our House, winning our Senate and getting [state Senate candidate] Bill Woolf and the other great Republican candidates elected,” he stated.
"The most important election in the nation, I believe, is Virginia this year. We are laser focused on holding our House, winning our Senate, and getting Bill Woolf and the other great Republican candidates elected." -Governor @GlennYoungkin https://t.co/MRTv4nmEDI
— YoungkinWins (@YoungkinWins) August 22, 2023
He went on to remind the audience of the tangible transformations made possible through Republican leadership.
“We have demonstrated that you can take a state that was really so much headed in the wrong direction and redirect with commonsense, conservative principles and leadership and policies. We can take a state that was near the bottom, and put it near the top. Folks, this is so important for us to do and that is why I have nothing else in my mind other than 2023,” he said.
The conversation inevitably led to inquiries about the persistent whispers urging him to dive into the 2024 presidential fray. In response, Youngkin appreciated the recognition bestowed upon Virginia’s accomplishments under Republican leadership. However, he maintained his allegiance to the commonwealth, sidestepping questions about a potential late entry into the 2024 race.
“I meet lots of people and I’m always so humbled by the fact that people are encouraging us to do what we’re doing in Virginia outside Virginia. But we’re focused on Virginia, and what is so nice is that people appreciate what’s happening here,” he said.
Despite months of speculation and chatter about his possible leap into the 2024 GOP nomination pool, Youngkin has consistently downplayed any aspirations for higher office. In May, he answered “no” when queried about entering the presidential race during a Wall Street Journal event.
“I’m going to be working in Virginia this year,” the governor said.
Yet, Youngkin’s aspirations remain a subject of debate as Democrats believe that his achievements on the state level could serve as a stepping stone toward steering Virginia rightward and potentially catalyzing a bid for the presidency. According to the speculations, his national prominence is set to rise further, potentially positioning him to enter the 2024 White House race.
