It’s been 100 days since Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) was sworn into office as the 74th governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. So far, the political outsider’s performance has far exceeded expectations.
“Today we gather, not as individuals, nor as Republicans or Democrats, but as Virginians,” Youngkin pledged on Inauguration Day back in January. “No matter who you voted for, I pledge to be your advocate, your voice, your governor.”
Since then, he has largely kept his word. If it weren’t for a Democrat-led State Senate, however, more of his legislative agenda would have been enacted already. Nevertheless, Virginia is already better off under Youngkin today compared to eight years of Democratic rule.
Youngkin Represents All of the Commonwealth, Not Just NoVA
Unlike his two immediate predecessors, Governor Youngkin is championing the entire Commonwealth— not just his preferred regions. And our residents see that translated through his actions.
That’s why the former Carlyle Group executive enjoys a higher approval rating than President Joe Biden- 50% to 41%- and a slightly higher approval on education.
Ask any resident here about the Commonwealth’s leftward lurch in early 2020. It was scary. Some voters thought they were getting “moderate” Democrat policies, Instead, gun control, the Virginia Green New Deal, minimum wage increases, tax hikes, and abortion-on-demand until birth, just to name a few, were shoved through unchallenged.
These radical proposals were a product of progressive Northern Virginia Democrats at the helm of the General Assembly. Tidewater and Southwest Virginia representatives were snubbed and rendered powerless.
Fast forward to May 2022: the General Assembly is more geographically diverse in the House of Delegates. And neglected regions of the states are better represented and now have a seat at the table.
In a new interview with Cardinal News, Youngkin reflected on his inaugural 100 days in office and keeping his campaign pledge to represent southwestern Virginia.
“Southwest Virginia is often left out, I heard it during the campaign and that’s why I committed to be very focused on including Southwest Virginia,” he told the outlet. “I think step one is just being present, and that’s why I’ve made it a priority to be present in Southwest Virginia.”
This past legislative session, Youngkin signed 700 bills into law—including optional masking in schools, Sunday hunting on public lands, banning “Zuck Bucks” in-state, and much more.
Virginia Democrats in Disarray
CNN’s Jim Acosta slandered Youngkin’s leadership as “Soviet-style.” Delegate Don Scott of Portsmouth (D-Portsmouth) had the gall to question his Christian faith, blurting on the House floor, "So far what I’ve seen from his Day 1 activities is not someone who is a man of faith, not a Christian, but someone who wants to divide the commonwealth.” And Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), a very-online obstructionist, eagerly brags about killing good bipartisan bills.
To them, Youngkin is breaking norms. How dare he not preemptively alert Democrats he’s vetoing bills! Virginia House of Delegates member Nick Freitas (R-Culpeper) noted, however, past Democratic governors Northam and McAuliffe failed to extend the same courtesy to Republicans like him during their tenures.
“Virginia Democrats keep complaining that the governor didn’t call them about the bills he vetoed, '' Freitas tweeted. “Guess what, McAuliffe and Northam never called me when they were vetoing my bills. McAuliffe even held bill vetoing ceremonies. So please spare us your shock and outrage.”
All the complaints about the Young administration’s “extreme” agenda, however, is projection on the part of the Democratic Party of Virginia—an actual dumpster fire to be worried about.
While Democrats narrowly control the Senate and pretend to be unified in the General Assembly, they are cannibalizing each other for the entire Commonwealth to see. Last week, House Democrats voted via secret ballot to oust Minority Leader Eileen Filler-Corn. And guess who was behind her ouster? None other than the lawmaker who lambasted Youngkin’s religious views. Virginia Mercury reports:
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, had spearheaded the removal of Filler-Corn and had sought to replace her, but a procedural dispute over whether the caucus could immediately elect a new leader appeared to leave the caucus in limbo. Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Scott said neither he nor Filler-Corn had been chosen as a leader, but would not elaborate on what had happened.
Yikes. They should get their house in order before complaining about Virginia Republicans.
Conclusion
As I predicted in May 2021, Youngkin’s election proved to be a bellwether ahead of the expected Republican wave this November. The governor’s victory swung Virginia 12 points in the GOP column—an impossible feat given it went for Biden by ten points in 2020.
To those in denial: Youngkin’s governing style and policies are being positively received here.
What a turnaround—and a relief!—to live in a red Virginia again. If you’re seeking freedom in the Mid-Atlantic, the Commonwealth welcomes you with open arms.
