Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has thrown his weight behind Vice President JD Vance as a potential Republican nominee for the 2028 presidential election.
During an exclusive interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Youngkin expressed his support for Vance, stating he believes Vance would excel as the GOP’s choice to succeed term-limited President Donald Trump. This marks the first time Youngkin has publicly commented on the next White House race. The interview aired just days before Youngkin wraps up his single term as governor, a position limited by Virginia law from consecutive re-election.
Youngkin’s comments come as speculation swirls about the 2028 race, with Vance often seen by many on the right as Trump’s natural successor to carry forward the America First agenda. Vance has not yet confirmed whether he will launch a campaign. The two leaders met in Damascus, Virginia, on Jan. 27, 2025, to assess damage from Hurricane Helene, showcasing their shared commitment to addressing pressing issues.
Supporters of Youngkin see this endorsement as a significant nod from a respected figure who reshaped Virginia’s political landscape, according to Fox News. Since winning the governorship in 2021 against Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Youngkin has been hailed as a fresh face from the party’s business wing. His victory marked the first GOP gubernatorial win in the state in over a decade, flipping a region that had leaned Democratic.
Youngkin’s rise to prominence turned him into a Republican standout, with many whispering about his own presidential ambitions. Yet, he has consistently brushed off such talk, emphasizing his dedication to serving Virginia until the end of his term. His focus, he insists, remains on delivering results for his state.
“I think Vice President Vance would be a great nominee,” Youngkin declared on “Fox News Sunday.” That kind of praise from a governor who turned a blue-leaning state red carries weight. It signals a passing of the torch to a younger generation of leaders who prioritize action over rhetoric.
Vance, for his part, has garnered attention as a potential “heir apparent” to Trump’s movement. His alignment with grassroots organizations like Turning Point USA, which endorsed him through Erika Kirk at AmericaFest in Phoenix on Dec. 21, 2025, adds momentum. This group’s influence among younger conservatives could prove pivotal if Vance decides to run next year.
Turning Point USA’s political arm has built a robust outreach operation, particularly among the next wave of GOP voters. Their backing isn’t just symbolic—it’s a machine that could mobilize support if Vance steps into the ring. That kind of infrastructure matters in a crowded primary field.
Youngkin’s endorsement aligns with sentiments from other heavyweights like President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “I agree with President Trump and [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio. I think JD Vance would make a great, great presidential nominee,” Youngkin told Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich.
Yet, Youngkin also urged a grounded approach, echoing Vance’s own reminders to prioritize today’s challenges over future speculation. With major midterm elections looming in 2026, where Republicans aim to maintain House and Senate majorities, the party’s energy must stay on immediate goals. A staggering 36 states will also hold gubernatorial contests, making the stakes even higher.
Youngkin plans to hit the campaign trail for fellow Republicans in these midterms, signaling his commitment to the broader party mission. His track record in Virginia—turning a swing state into a GOP victory—makes him a valuable asset on the stump. It’s a reminder that results, not promises, build trust with voters.
The governor’s tenure, celebrated at an election night party in Chantilly, Virginia, on Nov. 3, 2021, showed what a focused conservative agenda can achieve. His win wasn’t just a fluke; it was a blueprint for rejecting progressive overreach while offering practical solutions. That’s the kind of leadership the GOP needs heading into 2026 and beyond.
While Youngkin’s support for Vance is notable, it doesn’t overshadow his insistence on finishing strong in Virginia. His respect for Vance’s call to stay present resonates with a party often criticized for chasing the next shiny object. Staying rooted in today’s work is how trust is earned for tomorrow’s battles.
Vance, meanwhile, remains a figure to watch, with endorsements piling up and a narrative as Trump’s ideological successor taking shape. If he runs, he’ll need to translate that momentum into a vision that connects with everyday Americans tired of empty cultural debates. The GOP’s future hinges on leaders who can do just that.
Youngkin’s voice in this conversation isn’t just another opinion—it’s a signal of where the party might head. His blend of business savvy and populist appeal, paired with Vance’s rising profile, could define the next era of Republican leadership. For now, though, the focus must remain on delivering for Americans, one state and one election at a time.
