Yesterday the Republican Party of Virginia announced that businessman Glenn Youngkin, a first-time candidate, secured the Republican nomination for governor in the 2021 election. This came after a contentious voting convention that began this past weekend among seven candidates. Two of his potential opponents in the general election, Democratic candidates former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-2) and Senator Jennifer McClellan, each released statements in response.

Foy’s campaign released the following: “With the nomination of Glenn Youngkin, it’s clear that the Virginia Republican Party has doubled down on the kind of extremism and divisiveness that Virginians reject. The only way to stop the GOP from seizing the Governor’s mansion is to elect a candidate who understands Virginia’s challenges, has a plan to solve them, and will move the Commonwealth into the future. The GOP knows this, which is why they would love nothing more than for Terry McAuliffe to be the Democratic nominee – someone they consider ‘a well-defined candidate who won’t animate the Democratic base.’ 

“Del. Carroll Foy is the inspiring candidate for Governor who animates the base and will shake up the status quo. Her positive, fresh vision is energizing and exciting the broad, diverse coalition that will help Democrats win the Governor’s mansion and protect and expand the majority in the legislature so that Democrats can deliver real wins for working families. She has won big against Republicans before, and she’s ready to do it again against Glenn Youngkin in November.” 

McClellan responded in similar fashion, touting her record in the process.

“It’s no surprise that a party that nominated their statewide candidates in a closed-door convention would nominate an candidate with a campaign built on attacking voting rights,” McClellan said. “Glenn Youngkin’s Trump-style politics have no place in the highest office in our Commonwealth. After the generational progress we’ve made in the General Assembly, Virginia cannot move backwards. 

“I’m ready to contrast my 15-year record of delivering progress for Virginia with Glenn Youngkin’s plans to undo progress and bring Trumpism to Richmond.  Virginia voters want a leader with the experience to build on the progress we’ve made on day one and the perspective to make sure that no community is left behind. That’s why my campaign’s grassroots momentum has grown over every corner of the Commonwealth. I bring the record, vision, and tenacity that will defeat Republican extremism at the ballot box this November.

“Since day one, I’ve spent my career fighting Republican-led efforts to restrict access to voting rights and health care. I’m proud to have carried some of the most consequential legislation reversing GOP-era policies that hurt communities across Virginia, like the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, the bill creating the state health exchange, the Reproductive Health Protection Act in more. 

“As Governor, I will protect the progressive change we have achieved over the past few years and usher in a new chapter for Virginia. I’ll take historic action on fully funding Virginia’s education system, making comprehensive reforms to our justice system, rebuilding our economic system to make Virginia number one for both business and workers, and more. It’s time to build a Commonwealth where no community and no Virginian is left behind, and that’s exactly what I’ll do as governor.” 

Early voting is underway until the primary on June 8, when the Democratic candidate will be selected.