VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – While Attorney General Jason Miyares (R-VA) didn’t give a clue about his future during his concession speech, many supporters Washington Examiner spoke to said ‘governor’ sounds like a good fit.
“As I’ve said before, the least of these deserve the best from us,” Miyares said as he took the stage with his wife and two of his daughters. “Folks, I do not know what my next chapter will be…”
“Governor!” someone shouted from the crowd to cheers.
With a smile, Miyares continued, “but my chapter is not over. And Virginians, Republicans, we are down. But we’re not out.”
“[Miyares] gave a really great, encouraging speech,” Allison, a Virginia Beach resident, said after the concession speech. “I know that no matter what he chooses to do, it will be wonderful.”
“You know, he’s full of vigor and spirit,” Thanos, a Virginia Beach resident, who attended the watch party, said. “He means well, so he’s going to look for the opportunities to better Virginia. If governor is the right decision, he’ll do that.”
“He did a wonderful job in the position he was in, and I know whatever he does next, he’ll knock it out of the park,” Ann from Virginia Beach said. “I hope that Virginia can continue to keep him in government because he’s done nothing but the best for us.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) can run again in the next term. Virginia allows governors to serve two non-consecutive terms. The people I spoke with said either would be a great choice.
“They’re both wonderful,” Allison said.
Notably, no one was in favor of Winsome Earle-Sears. Some even blamed her for the Republican Party losing tonight.
While Democrats swept the Virginia election, Miyares said the controversy surrounding Jones’ leaked text messages may make it hard to unite the state.
SPANBERGER DELIVERS DEMOCRATS HUGE WIN IN VIRGINIA AFTER DEFEATING EARLE-SEARS FOR GOVERNORSHIP
“As a hallmark of our democracy, I wish Jones the best in this new job,” Miyares said. “I know, given the circumstances of the last six weeks, many of my supporters will find that difficult. But the reason I wish Jay the best is because we, the people of Virginia, need it. We need an attorney general who focuses every day on keeping us safe. And it’s my sincere hope that Jay does that.”
Virginia is often seen as a bellwether against the current administration in office, and many people I spoke to said DOGE cuts and the government shutdown were a large reason that led them to the polls this term.