Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin appeared to take a swipe at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for not being “wholly focused” on his citizens and not-so-subtly teeing up an expected run for the White House in 2024.
According to a report by the New York Times, Youngkin is putting any early presidential efforts on hold until after the Virginia legislative elections in November. When asked this week if he plans to enter the 2024 presidential race, Youngkin appeared to hit DeSantis over the Florida politician’s nationwide book tour and political posturing.
“Listen, I didn’t write a book, and I’m not in Iowa or New Hampshire or South Carolina,” said the popular Republican governor. “I am wholly focused on the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I’m looking forward to these elections.”
Though he did not drop a name, DeSantis has been touring early voting primary states to promote his new book, which focuses on his background and time as Florida’s governor. One of Youngkin’s advisors, Jeff Roe, also recently went to work for a pro-DeSantis PAC.
Rather than seeking higher office, Youngkin added, focusing on the Virginia legislative elections is “what this year is all about.”
Youngkin throwing shade at RINO Ron.. Youngkin is looking after the people of Virginia.
DeSantis is looking after himself and not the people of Florida. There was historic flooding in Ft. Lauderdale and homeowners whose property was either destroyed or damaged in Ian are being… pic.twitter.com/iMTF4Y6eOf
— Debbie Dooley (@Crimsontider) April 17, 2023
Valiant News reported that Youngkin was not been able to get more than 2% support in a February Fox News Republican presidential primary poll, seemingly as a result of his administration’s post-2022 midterm attacks on 45th President Donald Trump — the undisputed GOP frontrunner in the 2024 race.
The public feud between President Trump and the Virginia Republicans began after Youngkin’s number two, Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, told anti-Trump Fox Business host Neil Cavuto that she believed the former president is a “liability” to the GOP after the 2022 midterms.
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/u8diW0ET7t
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) February 26, 2023
“When we look at the mission, and as a marine we’re looking at the mission, and you know, the voters have spoken and they want a different leader,” Sears said.
“And a true leader understands when they have become a liability.” She claimed, “A true leader understands that it’s time to step off the stage, and the voters have given us that very clear message.”
“The voters are saying enough is enough,” Sears said, adding that she “could not support [Trump]” in 2024.
“A true leader understands when they have become a liability. A true leader understands that it’s time to step off the stage, and the voters have given us that very clear message… I could not support him.”
—VA Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R) comes out against Trump’s 2024 candidacy pic.twitter.com/0g1plfHJmu
— The Recount (@therecount) November 10, 2022
Since then, Youngkin and his allies have deescalated the remarks, and the Virginia governor has largely remained in his home state, where Republicans are poised to see another major victory.
DeSantis has also seen a sharp decline in support amid growing anticipation of his 2024 challenge against the former president, who frequently criticizes the governor on his social media platform Truth Social over his past opposition to Social Security and Medicare, and his “disloyalty” to the MAGA movement.
According to a recent poll, Trump would defeat DeSantis in the very state which he currently governs. That survey, conducted after the New York indictment against Trump was unsealed, reveals that the former president would soundly beat the Florida governor, both in a head-to-head matchup, and in a crowded contest with multiple Republican candidates.
Perhaps reading the room and seeking to take a different approach to DeSantis, Youngkin reportedly may announce his 2024 candidacy in November, which would be after the first GOP primary debate takes place in August.
Youngkin, who term limits prevent from seeking reelection, could also be considering a run for the U.S. Senate. Some Republicans have suggested he could beat Sen. Tim Kaine, the former vice presidential running mate of Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Should Youngkin successfully beat Kaine and take the Senate, he could be better positioned to run for president in 2028.
Follow Andrew on Twitter @whiteaf5.
