RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, could Governor Glenn Youngkin be eying a spot in Trump’s cabinet?
Randolph-Macon Political Science Professor Rich Meagher says it’s possible and would allow Youngkin to stay in the political spotlight while he figures out his political future.
“For Youngkin, that could be a Senate run against Mark Warner or someone else [in 2026], or that could be the next presidential nomination battle, whatever primary that is after a second Trump term or somewhere along the way.,” Meagher told 8News.
Meagher adds that if Youngkin does take a role in the Trump White House, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, who would become the first black female governor in America’s nearly 250-year history, stands to benefit. Meagher says Sears, who is already running to replace Youngkin in next year’s gubernatorial election, would then be seen by voters as the incumbent.
“It gives her a leg up on anyone who wants to challenge her because she gets to act gubernatorial,” Meagher said. “She will be the one at the ribbon cuttings. She will be the one offering speeches and comments. She will be the one sparring with the legislators about what her agenda is and what their agenda is.”
Despite that, Meagher says Sears isn’t necessarily the favorite to win next year’s gubernatorial election. He says that would be likely Democratic nominee Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.
“The last time Trump was in office, there was huge blue wave backlash to that right here in Virginia as one of the first states to have elections once an election happens,” Meagher said.
8News reached out to Youngkin’s office and asked if the governor has spoken with President-elect Trump about a cabinet position, and if Youngkin plans on finishing his term as governor, which runs through January 2026, but we did not hear back.