Youngkin channels Reagan in new video, raising questions about his political future
Jack Birle
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) released a video on Thursday that has added to speculation about his political future.
The video features remarks from Youngkin’s address at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library earlier this month, in which he invoked Reagan to discuss ushering in a “new era of American values.”
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“It’s pretty overwhelming to contemplate the future of America,” Youngkin says in the video. “It’s such an honor to be here with proud Americans who carry on President Reagan’s cherished legacy. He brought peace by projecting strength.
“At a time when it’s easy for us to lose faith, to worry that we are indeed that one generation when freedom becomes extinct, there are lights shining. We can usher in a new era of American values.”
The narration by Youngkin finishes by saying it is “our turn” to choose “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” adding that “the stakes are high.
“President Ronald Reagan changed lives, and now it’s our turn. A time to choose life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness over oppression and dictatorial rule,” he continues. “The stakes are high and the consequences couldn’t be greater.”
The video includes imagery of Youngkin speaking at and touring the Reagan library, along with clips of Reagan, and strikes a more national tone compared with other videos the Virginia governor has previously released.
Youngkin said earlier this month that he is not running for president “this year,” telling the Wall Street Journal that he is “going to be working in Virginia this year.” An aide to the governor pointed out at the time to the Washington Examiner that he was specifically asked about his plans in 2023 regarding a presidential run.
The Virginia Republican has made clear he hopes to flip the Virginia Senate and maintain GOP control of the state House of Delegates in the commonwealth’s elections in November. Democrats currently hold a 22-18 majority in the Virginia Senate and Republicans hold a 50-46 majority in the House of Delegates.
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In anticipation of the coming elections in the commonwealth, Youngkin’s Spirit of Virginia PAC announced last month it would be beefing up staffing by bringing in individuals with “deep experience in Virginia and national politics — with expertise in finance, political, field, data, and analytics.”
Youngkin, elected governor in 2021, is not eligible to run for a second consecutive term in 2025 due to state law, meaning a presidential run or a 2026 Senate run could be in the cards if he wishes to continue his political career.