Youngkin’s 2021 victory catapulted him to national prominence, stirring chatter among political observers that he could someday cut an imposing, red-vest-wearing figure as a potential Republican presidential candidate. Although Youngkin has thus far declined to run for president in 2024, the outcome of the 2023 legislative elections could influence his political fortunes. If Republicans gain unified control of the state legislature and governor’s mansion, it would demonstrate to Virginians and national observers alike that Youngkin’s 2021 victory was not a one-time fluke, spurred by voter dissatisfaction amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“He’s putting a lot of his political capital on the line. He’s going to look much bigger than he is now if he gets total control of the state legislature. But step number two, of course, is what he does with it,” said Rozell. “And what he does with it is, he pushes Republican agenda items that resonate with the public, and secures his stature as the one who turned blue Virginia red.”
Republicans currently hold a two-seat majority in the state House, while Democrats enjoy the same margin in the state Senate. With Youngkin as their standard-bearer, Republicans are bullish that they can flip the upper chamber—bolstered in part by the governor’s super PAC, Spirit of Virginia. The governor’s political juice was evidenced in part by the victory of his preferred candidates in several contests in the June primary.