RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — In a bipartisan tone of optimism, Virginia’s new governor, Glenn Youngkin, pledged Saturday to “restore confidence in government and restore power to the people” during his assumption of office.
“Today we stand together for Virginians who have never lost faith, even when they have suffered loss. On behalf of Virginians who have not stopped dreaming of a better life, even in the face of hardship,” Youngkin told thousands of cheering spectators outside the historic State Capitol. “My fellow Virginians, the spirit of Virginia is alive and well. And together we will strengthen it.”
“No matter who you voted for, I pledge to be your advocate, your voice, your governor,” said the Republican, a former private equity executive new to politics.
Youngkin’s inaugural address was part of a weekend of pomp and ceremony in Richmond as newly elected Republican officials took office. Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears were also sworn in during the outdoor ceremony.
The moment opened a new chapter of government in a state where Democrats had full control of power for the last two years and occupied the governor’s mansion for the last eight.
Youngkin acknowledged the devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, including the more than 15,000 Virginians who have died, and vowed to lead the state into a “new and better day.” Although Youngkin encourages those who can already do so to get inoculated, among his first acts as governor he ended mandatory vaccinations for state workers.
He also reiterated his campaign proposals such as cutting taxes, “getting politics out of the classroom,” increasing teacher and police pay, and boosting the economy. Although omicron infections fill hospitals with unvaccinated patients in Virginia and the rest of the country, the governor pledged to keep children in schools after highlighting the importance of face-to-face education and acknowledging the difficulties that virtual learning has caused working parents, especially mothers.
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