RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said Wednesday that the ongoing federal government shutdown played a major role in Republicans’ widespread losses during Tuesday’s elections, when Democrats swept statewide offices and expanded their legislative majority.
“I firmly believe that the government shutdown was a very, very big challenge as we ran into this election,” Youngkin told reporters. “We have 330,000 government workers here that weren’t getting paid. That is a real challenge heading into an election.”
Democrats flipped the governor’s mansion, with former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger defeating Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by 15 points to become Virginia’s first female governor. The party also strengthened its hold on the House of Delegates, signaling a blue shift in key suburban regions.
Despite the losses, Youngkin maintained that Virginians “thoroughly support” his administration’s record on jobs, education, and public safety, pledging cooperation with Spanberger’s transition team. “We are going to present to Gov.-elect Spanberger a Virginia that is stronger than it has ever been,” he said.
President Donald Trump echoed Youngkin’s remarks at a White House breakfast, acknowledging the GOP’s poor showing. “It was not expected to be a victory,” Trump said. “I don’t think it was good for Republicans — or for anybody.”
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