Vice President JD Vance meets with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin in Damascus, Virginia, on Jan. 27, 2025, to survey damage from Hurricane Helene. (Audrey Conklin/Fox News Digital)
Youngkin's "Fox News Sunday" interview came just days before completing his single term as governor of Virginia, which by law prevents governors from running for re-election and serving consecutive terms.
While Vance has yet to say anything publicly on whether he'll launch a 2028 campaign to succeed Trump, he is considered by many on the right to be the president's heir apparent to eventually take over the MAGA and America First mantles.
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Vance was endorsed last month by Erika Kirk at an annual summit hosted by Turning Point USA, the increasingly influential and politically powerful conservative group.
FILE - Youngkin, then Virginia governor-elect, spoke at an election night party in Chantilly, Virginia., early Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, after he defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
But the governor always demurred when asked about a possible presidential bid, saying countless times over the past few years that his political focus was solely on Virginia and that he intended to "finish strong."
Youngkin is likely to campaign for fellow Republicans in this year's midterm elections, when the GOP aims to hold its House and Senate majorities, and 36 states hold contests for governor.
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"I think the most important thing we can do, just like Vice President Vance said recently, is stay focused on the here and now. We have to deliver. We have to deliver for Americans and Virginians. We have huge elections in 2026 to keep and expand our majorities in the House and the Senate," Youngkin said as he pointed to the midterms.
And he reiterated, "I just deeply respect the vice president's reminder that we have to stay focused on today. And if we stay focused on today and deliver results, then Americans will continue to extend our license to lead."
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire. He covers the campaign trail from coast to coast."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/youngkin-backs-jd-vance-2028-calls-vice-president-great-gop-nominee