Glenn Youngkin's New National Group Could Signal a 2028 Presidential Run
Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is back in the political spotlight with a new national nonprofit focused on education policy. The move is fueling speculation that the Republican dark horse may be laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential campaign.
Youngkin announced Wednesday the launch of Empowering America's Parents, a policy advocacy organization dedicated to expanding school choice and giving parents more control over their children's education. The group is already running ads promoting President Donald Trump's Working Families Tax Cut, which Youngkin's team says has revolutionized parental choice through the Education Freedom Tax Credit.
Thirty states have signed onto the tax credit program, and Youngkin's group is pushing the remaining states to follow suit. Our kids' future comes before politics, the organization declared in its first advertisement.
Why Youngkin's Move Matters for Iowa
Youngkin has already made visits to Iowa, a state that holds the first-in-the-nation Republican presidential caucuses. Those trips, combined with his new national network of donors and volunteers, suggest he is serious about a potential White House bid.
Iowa voters are no strangers to presidential hopefuls making early moves. Youngkin's focus on parental rights and school choice resonates strongly with conservative Iowa families who have pushed for education reform in recent years.
From Governor to National Player
Youngkin captured national attention in 2021 when he won the Virginia governor's race by listening to parents frustrated with COVID-era school policies. He defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe by tapping into the energy of suburban moms and dads who felt shut out of their children's education.
Because Virginia governors cannot serve consecutive terms, Youngkin left office earlier this year. Democrat Abigail Spanberger succeeded him. Some expected Youngkin to join the Trump administration, but he chose the private sector instead. Now he is dipping his toe back into politics and policy.
Youngkin's Relationship with Trump and MAGA
Youngkin has maintained a friendly relationship with President Trump over the years. Political observers say his best path to the nomination would be to position himself not as an anti-Trump candidate, but as someone who can take the populist message and sell it to suburban parents, independents, and voters who might otherwise tune out Republicans.
Whether he can do that better than Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio remains the big question. But Youngkin clearly does not want voters to forget his name.
Virginia Democrats' Gerrymandering Attempt
Youngkin reappeared on the scene this spring when Virginia Democrats, at the urging of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, attempted what critics called one of the worst political gerrymandering efforts in recent memory. The so-called lobster map aimed to steal at least four of the five congressional seats held by Republicans by disenfranchising conservative and rural voters.
Many Virginians were happy to see Youngkin back in the mix, particularly after a lackluster showing by his lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle Sears, against Spanberger. Youngkin crisscrossed the commonwealth, urging voters to reject the map and Democrat policies altogether.
What's Next for Youngkin?
Youngkin left the governor's mansion fairly popular with voters, and polls show he remains far more popular than Spanberger. His new organization gives him a platform to build a national network, raise money, and stay in the conversation.
For Iowans watching the 2028 race take shape, Youngkin is a name to keep on the radar. His focus on education freedom and parental rights aligns with the values of many Iowa conservatives, and his early visits to the state suggest he understands the importance of the caucuses.
Whether he ultimately jumps into the race or not, Youngkin is making sure the Republican field knows he is still in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glenn Youngkin running for president in 2028?
Youngkin has not formally announced a presidential campaign, but his new national nonprofit and visits to early primary states like Iowa and South Carolina strongly suggest he is exploring a run.
What is Empowering America's Parents?
It is a national policy advocacy organization launched by Youngkin that focuses on expanding school choice, parental rights, and education freedom through tax credits and transparency in public education.
How does Youngkin's message resonate with Iowa voters?
Youngkin's emphasis on parental involvement in education and school choice aligns closely with the priorities of many Iowa conservatives who have pushed for education reform and limited government in schools.