Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's approval rating at 49%, stoking 2024 chatter

A new poll found that 49% of Virginians approve of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) job performance, landing him on the shortlist of popular governors being eyed as potential 2024 presidential candidates.

The poll, conducted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, found that 25% of Virginia residents “somewhat approve” of their new governor, while 24% said they “strongly approve.”

Denizens of the purple state largely approved of the Republican governor’s actions on specific fronts with higher rates from those in his party. But on the former Division 1 basketball player’s commitment to fund historically Black colleges and universities, Democrats were more supportive at 94%, compared with 69% of Republicans.

Youngkin has enjoyed high approval ratings since taking office in January, but the new number is lower than the 53% found by a Roanoke College poll in May.

His high marks have stoked discussion about the Virginia governor’s potential as a GOP presidential candidate in 2024, especially amid speculation that former President Donald Trump will throw his hat in the ring.

Other popular Republican governors eyed as 2024 contenders include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who has positioned himself as a pro-business critic of Trump.

For Democrats, discussion around California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ramped up after they made trips outside their home states. Newsom also rocked the boat by launching ad campaigns against DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R).

But underlying the focus on governors’ 2024 potential is a deep dissatisfaction in both parties with their current standard-bearers.

“Americans are pretty dissatisfied right now,” Adrian Hemond, a Democratic consultant, told The Hill. “They’re dissatisfied with Congress. They’re dissatisfied with the president. They’re dissatisfied with the economy.” 

Youngkin told reporters earlier this month that he was "hugely humbled" by calls for him to run for president in 2024 but said it was too early for him to even consider it.