Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin left the door open Sunday to a potential presidential run next year amid suggestions by some national GOP figures that the Republican could make a late entry into the crowded primary field.
Mr. Youngkin was asked by “Fox News Sunday” host Shannon Bream whether a White House bid is on the table, but he deflected the question.
“I’ve been really clear, I am so focused on 2023,” Mr. Youngkin said on “Fox News Sunday” in reference to Virginia’s state elections this fall.
“It’s the most important election in the nation, in my view. We have a chance to demonstrate that common sense, conservative policies can, in fact, result in great outcomes,” he said.
Ms. Bream tried to get Mr. Youngkin to answer the initial question, but he repeatedly declined to indicate one way or the other. Mr. Youngkin never definitively ruled out a run.
Former President Donald Trump continues to dominate the field by around 40 points, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Mr. Youngkin’s term runs until January 2026, which means he would have to leave office early if he were to be elected president. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears would then become America’s first Black female governor.
Mr. Youngkin cannot serve as governor in back-to-back terms under Virginia’s constitution, though he could make a later comeback, as former Gov. Terry McAuliffe tried to do in 2021.
“I’m not in Iowa at the state fair,” Mr. Youngkin said. “I’m campaigning in Virginia for Virginians — not around the country.”
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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