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The rundown
Gov. Glenn Youngkin released a new video that showcases what he believes are the “Top 10 Wins” for the commonwealth this year.
The most viewed stories in this newsletter this year.
Youngkin touts Virginia’s Top 10 Wins” this year
Gov. Glenn Youngkin released a new video, presumably produced by POOLHOUSE, that showcases what he believes are the “Top 10 Wins” for the commonwealth this year.
The majority of his list are good things for Virginia with a little partisanship mixed in towards the end.
Below is reaction from around Virginia politics to Attorney General Jason Miyares's announcement that he will seek reelection instead of running for governor.
Youngkin
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced his endorsement of Winsome Sears for governor and Miyares for attorney general shortly after the announcement from Miyares:
“In 2021 Winsome, Jason, and I ran as a team and we have served Virginians as a team. In 2025, Winsome and Jason will once again lead the Republican team as candidates for Governor and Attorney General. Both have been indispensable partners to advance our shared, commonsense conservative policies that have made Virginia the best state in America for business, backed the blue and cracked down on crime, stood strong for our military and veterans, and transformed education by raising teacher pay, re-establishing academic excellence, and empowering parents in their child’s education and life. “Winsome has been an outstanding Lt. Governor, and she will be a great Governor. She has been an outspoken advocate for commonsense conservative principles and policies, a passionate voice for our military and veterans, and a relentless advocate for educational freedom and economic opportunity. She brings the fighting spirit of a Marine to the office every single day. “As Attorney General, Jason vigorously defends the laws of the Commonwealth, stands with law enforcement every single day while leading our shared fight to end the free flow of opioids and fentanyl into our communities, and has been a constant advocate for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. He has never backed down when it comes to standing up for Virginians. He is an exceptional Attorney General. “Since we took office together in 2022, we have delivered on our promises to strengthen the Spirit of Virginia by lowering the cost of living, jumpstarting job growth, empowering parents, keeping our communities safe, and making government work for Virginians. There could not be a better team to carry on our success for Virginians for the next four years.”
Sears
“I thank Governor Glenn Youngkin for his unwavering leadership in making Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I am deeply honored to have his endorsement as I seek to become the 75th Governor of our great Commonwealth. Together with our outstanding Attorney General, Jason Miyares, we will continue championing common-sense safety and security policies that keep Virginia the ‘Number 1 Best State for Business.’
“We remain committed to listening to Virginians, staying true to the principle that leaders are chosen from among the people, not above them. By upholding the American dream, we will ensure a future full of hope and opportunity for our children. I say to job creators across the nation: come to Virginia, where the possibilities for success are endless! Ever Forward.”
Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones
“Attorney General Miyares has spent three years as a partisan warrior for his extremist agenda. Rather than lowering our costs or protecting our kids in schools, he has used his office to clear the way for attacks on Virginians’ reproductive freedom, pander to the fringes in his own party, and side with price-gouging corporate landlords and polluters. Miyares has already made clear he will be an eager accomplice to the Trump administration’s assault on our rights, our health care, and the rule of law. Virginia can’t afford another four years without an Attorney General focused on Virginia families.
“I’m running to keep Virginia families safe and free. As Virginia’s Attorney General, I’ll get extreme politics out of this office and crack down on corporate price gougers, go after landlords taking advantage of working families, and protect our children in our schools. I’ll be an Attorney General that is focused on protecting Virginia families.”
The Democratic Attorneys General Association
“Jason Miyares is failing to keep Virginians safe as AG. He’s put politics over people time and again, and there is no doubt that he will focus only on ingratiating himself to President Trump if he is re-elected as Attorney General. Virginians deserve better than Miyares, and we will take back the seat next year."
Christian Heiens (R)
“Very smart move by Miyares. Republicans need to present a united front heading into 2025 in Virginia. We start this campaign off as underdogs. Having Sears and Miyares running together for Governor and AG rather than fighting a primary battle between them gives us the best shot at holding our statewide offices and blocking a Democrat trifecta in Virginia.”
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker
"As Attorney General, Jason Miyares has been a MAGA mouthpiece in pushing an extreme agenda. Virginians deserve an Attorney General who will stand up for their rights and freedoms, not someone who is constantly trying to take them away. It is clear that, if re-elected, Miyares would use his office as a partisan tool to serve the interests of the Trump administration, rather than the needs of hard-working Virginians."
Former United States EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler (R)
“Thank you Jason for everything you have done to improve the lives of all Virginians!”
Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano (D)
“This clown has spent the last three years politicizing his office and wasting tax-payer dollars on vanity exercises. What happened to running for Governor, Jason? Finally realized that you've managed to be (somehow) even more out of touch than Winsome Sears?
“Jason Miyares has always cared more about playing politics than keeping Virginians safe. But next November, we're gonna send Miyares packing — and elect someone who truly cares about protecting you and your family: Jay Jones.”
Trump 2024 campaign co-chair Chris LaCivita responded directly to Descano on Twitter:
“Speaking of clowns … Steve Descano is actual an asshat that believes releasing prisoners and not prosecuting dangerous felons is public safety …tick tock weirdo.”
Del. Micheal Webert (R)
“Jason Miyares has done a hell of a job. Glad to see my good friend running again!!”
Sam Shirazi
“Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is running for re-election instead of Governor He should have clear lane for GOP AG nomination Makes life easier for Winsome Sears who is running for Governor Expect lots of action for Lt. Gov primaries for both parties though.”
Del. Mike Cherry (R)
“Jason Miyares has done a solid job as our Attorney General. I particularly appreciate his bipartisan work in our collective fight against human trafficking. Glad to see him running for re-election. He has my full support!”
Del. Michael Feggans (D)
“AG Miyares has spent every moment during his tenure bringing extreme partisanship into places never seen before & vets/military families have suffered because of it. Jay Jones is the only candidate in this race with the experience & composure to restore decency to the AG office.”
Nick Minock (R)
“Jason Miyares is running for re-election in 2025.”
Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D)
“We need an AG that focuses on Virginia’s families; their safety, their pocketbook, and their rights and freedoms. Not one that bows to MAGA.”
Sen. Lashresce Aird (D)
“The only promise Jason has kept is posturing for MAGA extremist. There’s only one person in this race that will actually protect families where they need it most, keep our communities safe and has a proven record of doing so. It’s time to move Virginia in a new direction w/Jay!”
This is the Virginia Scope daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.
