Republican Glenn Youngkin is sworn in as the governor of Virginia

Up to date January 15, 2022 at 2:24 PM ET

Businessman Glenn Youngkin was sworn in because the 74th governor of Virginia on Saturday in Richmond, the primary Republican to carry the workplace in almost a decade.

“Irrespective of who you voted for, I pledge to be your advocate, your voice, your governor,” Youngkin mentioned in his inaugural speech, providing a message of unity that, at instances, was absent from the marketing campaign. “Our politics have grow to be too poisonous. Soundbites have changed options — taking priority over good religion problem-solving.”

However throughout his speech, the group was loudest, and plenty of stood on their toes, when Youngkin spoke about “eradicating politics from the classroom.” On the marketing campaign path, he continuously talked about dad and mom’ rights to say what’s taught at school.

Two history-making Republicans additionally took the oath of workplace. Former state Delegate Jason Miyares was sworn in as legal professional normal, the primary Latino elected to statewide workplace. And former state Delegate Winsome Sears is now lieutenant governor, the primary Black lady to carry that title.

Youngkin is because of begin leaving his mark shortly after the inauguration by signing a number of government orders. Some are more likely to face authorized challenges comparable to an order “ending using divisive ideas, together with Crucial Race Concept, in public training.” CRT, an educational authorized framework specializing in the causes of systemic racism, is just not taught in Virginia colleges and it isn’t clear the governor has the authority to unilaterally determine school curriculum.

One other order withdraws Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gasoline Initiative, arguing it will increase prices to customers, however some legal scholars and outgoing Attorney General Mark Herring preserve solely the legislature can act on the problem. Youngkin additionally ordered an finish to a masks mandate for public colleges, eliminated members of the state parole board and rescinded the vaccine mandate for all state workers.

Youngkin’s victory in November shocked Democrats who — after President Biden’s 10-point margin within the state — had been hoping former Gov. Terry McAuliffe would be capable to return to the governor’s mansion and proceed the occasion’s grip on an workplace at present held by outgoing Gov. Ralph Northam.

However Youngkin’s marketing campaign turned out many citizens in rural Virginia and made inroads in suburban areas of the state. The previous non-public fairness CEO framed his lack of political expertise as an asset.

Along with seizing management of all three statewide places of work, Republicans additionally maintain a 52-48 majority within the Home of Delegates after flipping seven seats within the 100-member chamber. Throughout their transient time within the majority, Democrats raised the minimal wage, abolished the loss of life penalty, expanded entry to voting and legalized marijuana.

Republicans are hoping to work with the brand new governor to roll again a few of the extra progressive components of these new legal guidelines. However they will have to persuade or compromise with Democrats within the state Senate, the place Democrats nonetheless maintain a 21-19 edge, with broader margins on key committees.

Youngkin may even need to face a problem that he did not discuss on the marketing campaign path: determining how Virginia’s new marijuana trade will work. Democrats legalized marijuana in small quantities, however the system for retail gross sales nonetheless hasn’t been established.

Youngkin’s cupboard contains a mixture of political newcomers in addition to veterans of state and federal authorities, together with staffers who labored beneath former President Donald Trump. That features pure sources secretary nominee Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist and administrator of Trump’s Environmental Safety Company who rolled again protections handed by former President Barack Obama.

Wheeler’s nomination sparked quick outcry amongst Senate Democrats in Virginia, who’re hoping to dam his nomination. The battle over Wheeler’s nomination might be an early take a look at of Youngkin’s skill to work his method by means of delicate political conditions. Youngkin has thus far ignored these protests, calling Wheeler “extremely certified” in an interview with member station VPM on Tuesday.

Northam, the outgoing Democrat, has said he is unlikely to run for workplace once more. He confronted widespread calls to resign in February 2019 after reporters surfaced a racist picture on his medical faculty yearbook web page. Northam in the end denied he was within the picture, stood down these calls and went on to signal sweeping coverage modifications pushed by Democratic majorities. The pediatric neurologist is ready to renew seeing sufferers on Monday.

Ben Paviour covers state politics for member station VPM; Michael Pope works as a reporter for Virginia Public Radio.

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