Former president Donald Trump The popular Republican governor is building a relationship with Glenn Youngkin in hopes he can help get Virginia going. this fall.
Youngkin’s election in 2021 made him the first Republican to win statewide in Virginia since 2009, but he did so by running a campaign that kept Trump at arm’s length. Youngkin also waited to endorse Trump in the 2024 race after the Super Tuesday primary until the former president easily won Virginia.
In the case of Trump He scoffed at Youngki’s name and noted him for keeping his distance, the two are now slowly starting to work together. They recently held a private meeting at Trump’s golf club in Virginia — sources on both sides said it went well — but at this stage Youngkin is not being vetted as a potential running mate, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the process.
Representatives for Youngkin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for the Trump campaign denied palace intrigue over the selection process.
Brian Hughes, Trump’s campaign adviser, said in a text message: “As President Trump himself has said, the primary criterion for choosing a vice president is a strong leader who will be a great President for eight years after his next four-year term. concludes. But anyone who says they know who or when President Trump will pick his vice president is lying.
This was previously reported by NBC News Trump’s search for a vice president North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Ohio Senator JD Vance and Florida Senator Marco Rubio are in the spotlight. Trump has made it clear that he expects to announce his choice during the Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15. However, three sources familiar with the discussions said timing remains a topic of discussion.
Even if Youngkin doesn’t enter the vice presidential race, he will still be a valuable political asset for Trump. The former business executive, who was limited by law to one term, enjoyed a popularity rating above 50% for most of his time in office. He also proved adept at campaign tests and adept at cable news interviews — traits Trump holds in high esteem.
Youngkin is scheduled to appear on stage with Trump for the first time on Friday at a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Youngkin ascended to the governor’s mansion by winning back right-leaning suburban voters rejected by Trump in 2016 and 2020. Democratic efforts to tie Youngkin to Trump in the 2021 gubernatorial race failed spectacularly.
Democrats have won Virginia in every presidential election since 2008. While Republicans believe the state is in play, it will likely be up for grabs and require a significant expansion of their electoral map.
Youngkin spent his 2021 gubernatorial campaign avoiding even mentioning Trump’s name out loud. Last weekend, he gave an all-out endorsement at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in Washington.
“Elections have consequences and the stakes have never been higher,” Youngkin said. “We must restore a strong America, and that begins with the election of Donald J. Trump.”