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A reflection on the governor’s first legislative session
The political newcomer Glenn Youngkin who won in 2021 had to evolve into a Glenn Youngkin who governs and negotiates with politicians in 2022. Just moments prior to taking the oath of office on Jan. 15, outgoing Governor Ralph Northam handed the gov.-elect his keycard that had been chewed up by his dog and wished him luck.
Youngkin then met with all of Virginia’s living governors, except for Terry McAuliffe, in a room across the hall before he took the oath and addressed the commonwealth. Two jets flew over the ceremony during his speech, to which the governor improvised by saying “we celebrate the sounds of freedom” and the crowd began chants of “U.S.A.”
Youngkin’s address that day harped on campaign promises and trying to unite Virginians as he peacefully took power from Northam. “My fellow Virginians, the spirit of Virginia is alive and well,” Youngkin said. “And together we will strengthen it.”
Two hours after taking the oath of office, Gov. Youngkin signed 11 executive actions from within his office at the Capitol building attempting to enact key parts of his agenda immediately.
