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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin makes 2024 White House run decision

By
Social Links for Victor Nava
Published May 2, 2023
Updated May 2, 2023, 9:13 a.m. ET

Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday that he won’t be throwing his hat into the ring for the 2024 presidential race – at least for now. 

When asked by Wall Street Journal editor Gerard Baker at the Milken Institute in Los Angeles if he would be mounting a campaign for the White House later this year, Youngkin responded, “No.” 

“I’m going to be working in Virginia this year,” the governor of the commonwealth added. 

Youngkin has been floated as a possible GOP presidential contender ever since his shocking victory in the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race over Terry McAuliffe. 

The first-term governor said Monday he was concentrating on legislative elections in his state. 

“I want to hold our House, and I’d like to flip our Senate. And I think we’re doing a really good job in Virginia, and I think this is a chance to bring that to voters,” Youngkin said, adding that he hopes he can work with state lawmakers to bring “common-sense solutions to bear” on challenges Virginians are facing.

Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin initially responded "no" when asked if he would be mounting a campaign for the White House later this year.
Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin responded “no” when asked if he would be mounting a campaign for the White House later this year. AP

When Baker attempted to press Youngkin on his presidential ambitions, the governor demurred.  

“So in the words of LBJ, you will not seek and, if nominated, you will not serve and accept the Republican nomination for president of the United States?” Baker asked.

“We’ll leave that one to LBJ,” Youngkin replied.

Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he's going to be working in Virginia this year.
Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he’s going to be working in Virginia this year. AP

An aide to the governor clarified to NBC News that Youngkin was answering Baker’s questions only with 2023 in mind, leaving the door open for a possible announcement in 2024 or in future presidential races. 

Unlike other states, Virginia governors are not allowed to serve consecutive terms in office. 

Youngkin’s term in the governor’s mansion ends in January 2026. 

A Wall Street Journal poll of possible 2024 GOP presidential candidates released last month found Youngkin receiving only 1% support. 

He joins former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan as floated 2024 candidates who have announced they won’t enter the fray this cycle.