Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on Wednesday blamed Republicans’ widespread election losses in the state on the recent government shutdown.
“I firmly believe that the government shutdown was a very, very big challenge as we ran into this election,” Youngkin told reporters. “We have 330,000 government workers here that weren’t getting paid. That is a real challenge heading into an election.”
“And therefore I, again, encourage the Senate to please open the government because Virginians are hurting,” he said.
Youngkin’s comments come after Democrats swept last night’s statewide and House of Delegates races in Virginia. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) by 15 points, while Democrats expanded their hold on the lower chamber in the statehouse.
The governor argued that despite the losses, Virginians still “thoroughly” support what his administration has been doing.
“At the end of the day when people say is the state heading in the right direction, people say yes,” Youngkin said, citing a number of factors including jobs, education, finances and public safety.
Youngkin pledged to work with Spanberger’s transition team going forward.
“We are going to present to Gov.-elect Spanberger a Virginia that is stronger than it has ever been.” he said. “I congratulate her on her victory last night. We are committed to work with their transition team to make sure they are prepared and ready to go on day one.”
Democrats also saw wins in other off-year elections last night including in New Jersey, New York City and California.
President Trump also blamed Republican losses, in part, on the government shutdown on Wednesday.
“Last night it was not expected to be a victory. It was very Democrat areas. I don’t think it was good for Republicans,” Trump told Republican senators at a breakfast at the White House. “I’m not sure it was good for anybody. But we had an interesting evening, and we learned a lot.”
