Gov. Glenn Youngkin struck a conciliatory tone the morning after Republicans suffered losses across the board Tuesday night. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger defeated her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, by more than 15 points, and House Democrats flipped 13 seats.
“I first want to begin with my congratulations for Gov.-elect Spanberger, and she is stepping into what I believe is an incredibly important role,” Youngkin said during a press conference at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond.
“Four years ago, I had the great privilege of being elected, one of the great honors that anyone can possibly be bestowed with — being elected by their citizens in order to serve them. And I know that Gov.-elect Spanberger feels the exact same way today.”
Youngkin vowed to work with Spanberger to ease the transition into a new administration in January.
“Over the course of the next roughly 10 weeks, Gov.-elect Spanberger will build her team. She will run her transition, and we will support her in that process so that she and her team can hit the ground running,” Youngkin said.
As for the reason for such a large Democratic win, Youngkin hinted at federal job cuts and the government shutdown as the cause.
“I do think that the government shutdown is a big challenge. It is a big, big challenge,” Youngkin said, stopping short of directly blaming the federal government and Trump administration for the Republican losses Tuesday night.
“People are going without paychecks,” he continued. “They’re worried about mortgages and rents. They’re worried about how they’re going to feed their families. The challenge of this government shutdown is real, and I am incredibly understanding of that challenge for all Virginians. And I think it caused quite a turnout yesterday.”
The governor also touted his work while in office and said he believes that Virginia is “stronger than it has ever been,” while vowing to continue working on his agenda in the final months of his administration.
“We have a very clear responsibility to finish strong,” he said.
Youngkin also thanked Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares for their work alongside him these last four years.
“They have been extraordinary partners, extraordinary public servants, and their character is beyond reproach.”
Spanberger’s inauguration is Jan. 17.