NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has spoken out on the results of Virginia's 2023 election, which saw Democrats win majorities in the state's General Assembly, dashing his goal of full Republican control of the state government.
"I'm a little disappointed, to be clear," Youngkin told reporters.
The Republican governor made his remarks during a news conference at the Virginia State Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, the day after Election Day. His update comes as Democrats are poised to hold the Virginia Senate with 21 seats while taking control of the House of Delegates with 51 seats.
"This was a razor-thin set of decisions that were made on both sides of a number of these races," Youngkin said in describing the result as closely decided. "And I think it underpins the fact that Virginia is clearly a state that has historically moved back and forth."
The election was a major defeat for Youngkin, who fought for a Republican "trifecta" in the state government after two years of a split-controlled legislature. He needed a Republican majority to pass conservative legislation, an important selling point if he wanted a future in politics on the national stage.
Despite the setback, Youngkin adamantly suggested that Democratic control of the General Assembly wouldn't be dissimilar to his first two years in office, saying that the parties would come together on the issues.
"I am optimistic that we will find these most important areas to come together over and over again because that's exactly what we have done," Youngkin said. "I look forward to working with the House and Senate going forward just like we have."
Democrats in Virginia and elsewhere were buoyed by Tuesday's outcome, which they attributed largely to their candidates' promises to protect abortion rights and defeat a 15-week ban with exceptions proposed by Youngkin.
Susan Swecker, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, told reporters after Youngkin's remarks that she agreed with the governor that Virginia is a purple state, but not on the issue of abortion.
“My conclusion is that two years ago, a slim majority went on a Tinder date with Glenn Youngkin and are sorry now that they swiped right," Swecker said.
Youngkin briefly discussed his proposed ban on abortion 15 weeks into pregnancy, which he believes was a reasonable compromise between party positions that most people could get behind.
He suggested that he wouldn't stop pushing the issue, even with a Democratic-controlled legislature.
"Abortion is potentially one of the most difficult topics in Virginia and around the nation," Youngkin said. "My hope continues to be that we can find a way to come together as Virginians and lead. I do believe that there is a place that we can come together around a reasonable limit."
The election outcome was also widely seen as a factor for Youngkin making a last-minute entrance into the Republican primary for the 2024 presidential election, a move that has been long speculated in the public sphere.
When taking questions from reporters Wednesday, Youngkin continued to insist that he is focused on Virginia, not the presidential election.
"My name is not on the ballot in New Hampshire," Youngkin said. "I've not been in Iowa [and] I'm not in South Carolina. I am in Virginia and I look forward to staying focused on Virginia just like I have been."
Dr. Soji Akomolafe, a professor with Norfolk State University, said he considered the Democratic sweep a blow to Youngkin and any possible ambition for the White House.
"That's going to say a lot about his ability to win nationwide," Akomolafe said.
However, the NSU professor also mentioned Youngkin's ability to fundraise should not be underestimated. Whether he can maintain popularity on the path forward will also play a key factor, Akomolafe explained.
"Even if his efforts are stifled within the General Assembly, he may not run for president in 2024, but who knows, he may run for the [U.S.] Senate," said Akomolafe. "If he's not even able to pass legislation as much as he would like to, as fast as he would like to [...] it may not hamper that much his ability especially if he decides to run for the Senate."
Additionally, Youngkin told reporters Wednesday that he hasn't been in touch with Democratic leadership yet, because they haven't formally named the leaders in the next General Assembly yet.
"When they do, I look forward to speaking with them," Youngkin said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.