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Donald Trump and Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin are reportedly set to meet for the first time this week on Friday for a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Youngkin, a name rumored among the candidates as Trump’s running mate, is leading efforts in his state to help flip Virginia in what would be a monumental upset in the 2024 presidential election.
The event, slated for the Historic Greenbrier Farms Nursery, could mark a turning point for Trump and Republicans in a state that has long supported Democrats in presidential elections. Youngkin’s win in 2021 represents the potential shift among the state’s voters, as he became the first GOP leader in the state since 2009.
A Republican victory in Virginia is currently seen as unlikely by mainstream media. However, two recent polls found Trump and President Joe Biden tied, revealing the potential for a historic upset in the Commonwealth State.
Rumors over Trump’s vice presidential pick continue to highlight headlines as he prepares for his Virginia rally. The final decision, however, is slated for the Republican National Convention.
“As President Trump has said himself, the top criteria in selecting a Vice President is a strong leader who will make a great President for eight years after his next four year term concludes,” Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes told NBC News.
“But anyone telling you they know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying unless that person is named Donald J. Trump,” he added.
In addition to Youngkin, speculated running mates have included North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
The event comes after Trump easily won the Republican primary in Virginia on Super Tuesday in March. Youngkin endorsed Trump following the primary.
Trump added his thanks to the governor following Super Tuesday, seeking to win Virginia in 2024.
“Thank you to Governor Glenn Youngkin. I look forward to working with this fantastic Governor to WIN THE GREAT STATE OF VIRGINIA ON NOVEMBER 5th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Youngkin’s recent success and support have been credited with making Virginia more competitive for Trump.
“The fact that we’re even talking about it as competitive — two words: Glenn Youngkin,” Zack Roday, a Republican strategist who previously worked with the Virginia governor, told The Washington Post.
Youngkin also shared an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity earlier this month in support of Trump, calling for support of his common sense approach.
“Common-sense conservative policies work. We’ve unleashed a rip-roaring economy in Virginia, and I think they want to see it on a national level.”
