Former President Donald J. Trump has received a powerful endorsement from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, marking a major boost for his presidential campaign in a crucial swing state. Governor Youngkin took to social media to officially throw his support behind Trump, stressing the need for unity around strong leadership and policies aimed at fostering national growth.
Youngkin praised Trump’s tenure as president, achievements in border security, global leadership, tax reductions, and lowering the living costs for Americans. Youngkin’s endorsement contrasts Trump’s record with the current administration’s challenges, including open borders, failures in global leadership, rampant inflation, and increasing living costs under President Joe Biden according to the Virginia Governor.
“It’s time to unite around strong leadership and policies that grow our great nation, not four more years of President Biden,” Youngkin stated. “Voters in the Commonwealth and across the country have spoken loudly for President Donald J. Trump, and I endorse him for President of the United States.”
It’s time to unite around strong leadership and policies that grow our great nation, not four more years of President Biden. pic.twitter.com/jnF1iFVRkk
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) March 7, 2024
Youngkin, as the Governor of Virginia, has carved out a niche for himself as a successful businessman turned politician, appealing to both the traditional Republican base and independents with his focus on economic issues, education, and governance.
The endorsement is seen as a game-changer for Trump’s campaign, particularly in Virginia—a battleground state known for its historic role in determining the outcome of presidential elections. Youngkin’s backing could galvanize Republican voters and swing independents in favor of Trump, leveraging Youngkin’s popularity and successful governance in Virginia as a template for national leadership.
“Thank you to Governor Glenn Youngkin,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I look forward to working with this fantastic Governor to WIN THE GREAT STATE OF VIRGINIA ON NOVEMBER 5th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The Washington Post reported:
Youngkin embraced Trump while seeking the GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2021. But with his red vests and suburban affability, he kept Trump at arm’s length during the general election in purple Virginia.
After flirting last year with his own 2024 presidential bid, Youngkin seemed to offer Republicans a new path that played to the MAGA base but steered away from Trump’s rough edges. In 2022, Trump claimed Youngkin couldn’t have won without him and suggested the governor’s name sounded Chinese.
But Youngkin did not gain traction when he traveled the country in 2022 to help Republican gubernatorial candidates in various states, including some who echoed Trump’s false claim that Democrats stole the 2020 election. Last year, he failed to help the GOP win majorities in the Virginia legislature, and that seemed to cool his own national ambitions.
Democrats were swift in their response. Richmond’s Mayor Levar Stoney, with Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), promptly shared a statement on X. In it, Stoney described Youngkin’s endorsement as “a slap in the face to millions of Virginians.”
Glenn Youngkin's endorsement of Donald Trump is a slap in the face to millions of Virginians.
Our Commonwealth rejected Trump's bigotry in 2016 and 2020 – and will do it again in November.
And, in 2025, we are going to replace Glenn Youngkin and take our Commonwealth back. https://t.co/VmFZrFzak3
— Mayor Levar M. Stoney (@LevarStoney) March 7, 2024
Youngkin had remained impartial before the primary elections, saying he would support Trump should he secure the Republican nomination.
Previously, Republican donors had hoped Youngkin would enter the presidential race as an alternative to Trump. However, Democrats taking control of the statehouse in November put an end to what many believed was still a viable presidential campaign, contingent on a Republican victory.