Government | Politics 2023: GLENN YOUNGKIN

GOVERNOR, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, RICHMOND

Published August 30, 2023 by Virginia Business

Oft rumored to be considering a presidential run, Youngkin led a CNN education town hall in March. But he’s said he’s focused on state legislative races this fall, with control of the General Assembly at stake.

Youngkin voiced frustration this summer as state legislators wouldn’t compromise on an amended state budget that would have included $1 billion in tax cuts he supported.

In January, the governor made headlines for taking Virginia out of consideration for a $3.5 billion Ford Motor electric vehicle battery plant, citing a Chinese company’s involvement. However, he’s notched some economic development wins, such as the $1 billion Lego Group factory that broke ground in April in Chesterfield County. Also that month, Youngkin undertook his first trade mission, a trip to Asia, during which he met with Taiwan’s president.

The 6’7” Youngkin grew up in Richmond and Virginia Beach and went to Rice University on a basketball scholarship. With a reported net worth exceeding $250 million, the former Carlyle Group co-CEO is the wealthiest governor in state history.

FIRST JOB: When I was 15, I got a job at a diner in Virginia Beach taking out the trash and flipping eggs.

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