Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released a new video advertisement on Tuesday, extending a warm invitation to members of the upcoming Trump administration to settle in Virginia instead of neighboring Washington, D.C., or Maryland. The ad highlights Virginia’s appeal as a top destination for families and professionals, emphasizing the state’s quality of life, strong schools, and business-friendly environment.
Youngkin, who rose to prominence during his 2021 gubernatorial campaign with a focus on education reform, touted the commonwealth’s educational excellence, citing a CNBC study that ranked Virginia first in the nation for education and business in 2023. The study credited bipartisan efforts, including $2.5 billion in additional K-12 funding and salary increases for teachers, as key factors behind the state’s success.
“Virginia is right across the Potomac,” Youngkin said in the ad. “We offer a great quality of life, safe communities, award-winning schools where parents matter, and lower taxes than D.C. or Maryland.”
To all the new members of @realDonaldTrump’s administration relocating to the area to make America great again, I am personally inviting you to make Virginia your home. pic.twitter.com/pAkwkoWurR
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) November 26, 2024
The video showcases scenes from across the state, including Richmond and Alexandria’s historic King Street, underscoring the state’s cultural and geographic diversity.
Maryland and Washington, D.C., lagged behind Virginia in CNBC’s rankings, with Maryland placing 31st in business environment and the nation’s capital not making the list. Youngkin’s message positions Virginia as the clear choice for new federal employees and officials looking to relocate, noted Fox News.
Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, echoed Youngkin’s sentiments, praising his leadership. “With the amazing job Governor Youngkin has done bringing common sense, low taxes, and high quality of life to his state, it’s no wonder that he has a compelling case to make,” Hughes said.
Youngkin’s tenure has been marked by a focus on education, economic development, and bipartisan governance. However, with Virginia’s one-term limit for governors, the torch will soon pass to a new leader. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears has already announced her 2025 gubernatorial campaign, while Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman, has emerged as her likely opponent in next year’s election.
