Youngkin declares victory in Virginia GOP governor’s race, will face McAuliffe in fall

Glenn Youngkin, a former CEO and Christian conservative who campaigned as a political outsider, on Monday night secured the Republican nomination for Virginia governor and will face off against Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the November election.

Youngkin formally declared victory after fellow businessman Pete Snyder conceded after a day of ballot counting that began with five top GOP challengers before being whittled down. 

“While certainly would have preferred a W, I send my heartfelt congratulations to @glennyoungkin on a tremendous race + deserved win.  He + the ticket have my 100% support,” Snyder wrote on Twitter late Monday  

Youngkin, the former CEO of The Carlyle Group, vowed to use his outsider status and business experience to block McAuliffe from returning to the governor’s mansion he held from 2014 to 2018.

“I am prepared to lead, excited to serve and profoundly humbled by the trust the people have placed in me,” Youngkin tweeted. “Virginians have made it clear that they are ready for a political outsider with proven business experience to bring real change in Richmond.”