Government | Politics | Lobbying 2025: GLENN YOUNGKIN

Youngkin’s victory in the 2021 gubernatorial race catapulted the former co-CEO of the Carlyle Group into the national spotlight as a possible Republican presidential nominee in 2024. However, in his last year in office, it’s unclear what the governor’s next act will be.

Previously rumored to be considering a 2026 Senate bid, Youngkin conspicuously visited Iowa and South Carolina this year, indicating he may instead be testing the waters for 2028.

Democrats, who held the state Senate and regained the House of Delegates during Youngkin’s term, have quashed many of his major goals, most publicly a $2 billion pro sports arena in Alexandria. In response, Youngkin set a record for the most vetoes by a Virginia governor in a single term.
While Youngkin has been successful garnering support for site development, Virginia lost its No. 1 ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business this year, sinking to No. 4 amid heavy federal layoffs and spending cuts, which critics say he has downplayed. Economic wins during his term have included the $1 billion Lego Group factory in Chesterfield County and the $1.3 billion Microporous project in Pittsylvania County.

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