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Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin endorsed fellow Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to succeed him as governor next year, while also endorsing Jason Miyares to serve another term as the state’s attorney general.
Youngkin’s term will end in 2025 in the state where governors are only allowed one four-year term.
“In 2021 Winsome, Jason, and I ran as a team and we have served Virginians as a team. In 2025, Winsome and Jason will once again lead the Republican team as candidates for Governor and Attorney General,” Youngkin wrote in a statement.
“Both have been indispensable partners to advance our shared, commonsense conservative policies that have made Virginia the best state in America for business, backed the blue and cracked down on crime, stood strong for our military and veterans, and transformed education by raising teacher pay, re-establishing academic excellence, and empowering parents in their child’s education and life,” he continued.
Youngkin predicted that Sears will become an “great” governor following her work as Lt. governor.
“Winsome has been an outstanding Lt. Governor, and she will be a great Governor. She has been an outspoken advocate for commonsense conservative principles and policies, a passionate voice for our military and veterans, and a relentless advocate for educational freedom and economic opportunity. She brings the fighting spirit of a Marine to the office every single day,” he noted.
The governor also advocated another term for Miyares, citing his work for the state and on behalf of the Constitution.
“As Attorney General, Jason vigorously defends the laws of the Commonwealth, stands with law enforcement every single day while leading our shared fight to end the free flow of opioids and fentanyl into our communities, and has been a constant advocate for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence,” Youngkin wrote.
“He has never backed down when it comes to standing up for Virginians. He is an exceptional Attorney General. Since we took office together in 2022, we have delivered on our promises to strengthen the Spirit of Virginia by lowering the cost of living, jumpstarting job growth, empowering parents, keeping our communities safe, and making government work for Virginians. There could not be a better team to carry on our success for Virginians for the next four years,” he concluded.
Sears will likely face former Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger as she is currently the only candidate running as a Democrat.