Youngkin says not running for president, but speculations about 2024 bid persists

Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday he's not running for president this year.

The first-term governor is considered a top, prospective 2024 GOP presidential candidate – considering his 2020 upset gubernatorial win was at the vanguard of conservatives' efforts to give parents more input and control of their children's public school education.

He appeared to dispel the rumors at a Milken Institute event when asked about at 2024 White House bid.

“Are you going to be dusting off that fleece jacket and getting out on the presidential campaign trail later this year?" he was asked

"No," replied Youngkin, who fleece vest was an iconic part of his governor campaign. "I'm going to be working in Virginia this year."

(Still, some political observers think Youngkin might be wordsmith-ing considering it's still 2023.)

"And so our House and Senate are up for full reelection this year. We have a House that’s controlled by Republicans and a Senate that’s controlled by Democrats," Youngkin also said, according to the Washington Examiner.

"I want to hold our House, and I’d like to flip our Senate. And I think we’re doing a really good job in Virginia, and I think this is a chance to bring that to voters."