Glenn Youngkin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Glenn Youngkin.

Glenn Youngkin is an American businessman and politician currently serving as the 74th Governor of Virginia since 2022. As a Republican, his prior experience includes a 25-year career at The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, where he rose to become co-CEO in 2018. Youngkin resigned from his position in 2020 to pursue his career in politics, eventually leading to his successful run for governor.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2009: Republicans Had Not Prevailed Since 2009

Before the 2021 election, Republicans had not prevailed in a statewide race in Virginia since 2009.

2009: First Republican Governor since Bob McDonnell

In 2021, Glenn Youngkin became the state's first Republican governor since Bob McDonnell in 2009.

2020: Supported Biden in 2020

Glenn Youngkin's victory in 2021 was attributed to a coalition of voters including suburban residents who had supported Joe Biden in 2020.

May 10, 2021: Won Republican Nomination for Governor

On May 10, 2021, after multiple rounds of ranked-choice voting, Glenn Youngkin won the Republican nomination at the party's state convention.

November 2, 2021: Defeated McAuliffe in Gubernatorial Election

On November 2, 2021, Glenn Youngkin defeated Terry McAuliffe in the gubernatorial election.

2021: Won Republican Primary and General Election

In 2021, Glenn Youngkin won the Republican primary for Governor of Virginia and then defeated former Democratic governor Terry McAuliffe in the general election.

February 16, 2022: Youngkin signs bill making masks optional in schools

On February 16, 2022, Youngkin signed a bill that made masking optional in all public schools throughout Virginia. The bill passed along mostly party lines and took effect on March 1.

December 2022: Settlement reached in ACLU lawsuit over school mask mandates

In December 2022, the Youngkin administration reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in the ACLU's lawsuit regarding school mask mandates. The settlement allows mask mandates in areas frequented by the plaintiffs but allows alternative options for students who don't want to wear a mask.

2022: Became Governor of Virginia

In 2022, Glenn Youngkin became the 74th governor of Virginia.

2022: Youngkin Signs $165 Billion State Budget with Tax Cuts

In 2022, Youngkin signed a $165 billion state budget featuring $4 billion in tax cuts. A key feature was an increase in the standard deduction for personal income tax, raising it from $4,500 to $8,000 for individuals and from $9,000 to $16,000 for couples. The budget included one-time tax rebates ($250 for individuals and $500 for couples) and a partial elimination of Virginia's grocery tax, aligning with outgoing Governor Northam's proposals. Also included was a tax exemption of up to $40,000 a year for military pensions.

2022: Signing of the Biennial State Budget

In 2022, Youngkin signed a biennial state budget that allocated $19.2 billion to education. Democrats agreed to enact several of Youngkin's tax cut proposals in exchange for getting much of their desired education spending enacted.

2022: Expansion of the Virginia Preschool Initiative

In 2022, the Virginia Preschool Initiative was expanded via the biennial state budget. The program now serves three-year-olds and families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line.

2022: Honorary Degree from the College of William and Mary

In early 2022, Youngkin received an honorary degree from the College of William and Mary.

March 2024: Bill signed codifying same-sex marriage in Virginia law

In March 2024, Youngkin signed a bill codifying same-sex marriage in Virginia law.

2024: Virginia regains top spot as Top State for Business

In 2024, Virginia regained the CNBC title as the Top State for Business, after a period of not being number 1, due to improved scores in the "life, health and inclusion" and "workforce" categories.