Roanoke Sun

A recent poll conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has indicated that Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) could secure victory in his home state against Pres. Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 matchup, with Virginians favoring Youngkin by a margin of 44 to 37 percent. The poll, conducted by VCU’s Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs from July 14-25, unveiled other insights as well.

“Voters are showing no clear and distinct preference for Democrats or Republicans in elections from the State House to the White House,” said L. Douglas Wilder, the 66th governor of Virginia, according to a news release by VCU. “This a continuing trend and should be a 'wake up call' to Democrats and Republicans. Voters are looking for leadership at all levels and want their voices heard. The people are attuned to the issues impacting their lives, demanding that elected officials represent their interests, regardless of political party.” 

According to the release, a recent Virginia poll by VCU's Wilder School suggests that Gov. Youngkin, a Republican, could potentially flip a blue state to red by defeating Pres. Biden in the 2024 race. The survey reveals that if the election were held today, Youngkin would lead Biden by seven points in Virginia, with a margin of 44 percent to 37 percent. Additionally, the poll indicates that Biden would tie with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Virginia at 41 percent each, and he would also secure Virginia against former Pres. Donald Trump, with a margin of 43 percent to 40 percent.

The survey indicates that Pres. Biden's job performance receives a 39% approval rate among Virginians, while 54% express disapproval. In contrast, Gov. Youngkin enjoys more favorable numbers, experiencing an uptick in approval from last year's poll. Youngkin's approval spans various demographics and education levels, with 78% of Republicans voicing support compared to 28% of Democrats and 34% of Independents, underscoring a clear partisan divide.

Gov. Youngkin's potential as a GOP presidential contender has been a topic of discussion. The Hill reported that an April polling showed Youngkin with a favorable rating of 57% among Virginians, although he confirmed in May that he had no intentions of pursuing a presidential campaign, emphasizing his commitment to Virginia's political landscape. VCU's survey was conducted between July 14 and 25.

Serving his first-term and previously uninvolved in politics, Gov. Youngkin initially ruled out a 2024 White House bid but recently reconsidered, according to Axios. Youngkin's statewide victory in 2021 marked a significant achievement for a Republican in Virginia, a state that hadn't supported a Republican for president since 2004. With Virginia's governorship limited to a single consecutive term, Youngkin's decision to explore other opportunities is unconstrained, and his fundraising prowess has been acknowledged by Virginia state House Speaker Todd Gilbert, who noted ..."we have always struggled to keep up with what the other side seems to do year in, year out."