Virginia Gov. Youngkin Responds to Speculation He’s Running for President in 2024

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks in a file photograph. Steve Helber/AP Photo

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin responded to recent speculation that he may throw his hat into the 2024 presidential race just months after he scored an upset victory during last November’s elections.

“That’s not a decision that we have even begun to undertake,” Youngkin told CBS News on Sunday morning in response to questions about the move.

He also responded to a report from The Washington Post, which cited unnamed sources, claiming he met with Republican donors in Manhattan in June. The newspaper alleged that it was a sign he is possibly exploring a GOP presidential bid.

“I am hugely humbled by this discussion that’s going on,” Youngkin told the outlet on Sunday. “And the reality, of course, is I think it’s based on the fact that I was in a state that was blue, and we turned it red. I ran on a platform that we’re delivering.”

The Republican governor also noted that he formed a political action committee, the Spirit of Virginia, to provide support in other races, including in other states ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Meanwhile, he spoke at the Nebraska Republican convention on Saturday after being invited there by Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, triggering even more media speculation.

“I think the road to the majority in our House of Representatives comes through Virginia, and I’m going to spend real time there making sure that we win these elections,” Youngkin said.

The governor drew national headlines last year when he defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Virginia, a state that has increasingly trended toward Democrats in statewide elections in recent years, partially due to its proximity to Washington. Youngkin cannot run for reelection under Virginia state law.

“He’s got an interesting message that could resonate with voters, especially those looking for a fresh face,” said Brendan Steinhauser, a Republican consultant who worked for campaigns, told Fox News over the weekend. “He could be an alternative to [former President Donald] Trump, but also someone more acceptable to the majority Republicans because he isn’t seen as a Never Trumper.”

As for Trump, it’s not clear if or when he will run for office, though in numerous media interviews and during speaking events since leaving office, the former president has strongly suggested he would.

When asked during a Newsmax interview last month about a Trump–Ron DeSantis ticket, Trump said he has a good relationship with the Republican governor.

“Well, I get along with him,” Trump said of the Florida governor. “I was very responsible for his success, because I endorsed him and he went up like a rocket ship.”