As Republicans gear up to welcome a governor in the mansion for the first time in over a decade, details [1] about the Youngkin transition are being released with the transfer of power to take place in January.
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin, a newcomer to politics who was able to pull out a win in the close contest, has tapped former Republican Governors George Allen, Bob McDonnell, and Jim Gilmore as well as former Democratic Governor Doug Wilder to help. Other personnel will be tapped from both the Republican and Democratic camps, as noted by the Washington Post [1]:
“In order to change the trajectory of our great Commonwealth, we can’t operate on government time,” Youngkin said in a written statement. “We’re going to do things differently. That’s why this incredible transition team represents various backgrounds —business owners, law enforcement officers, veterans, healthcare providers, and most importantly, parents — who will bring an array of experience and fresh perspectives that will pave the way for a transformation where Virginia soars and never settles.”
Additional names will be revealed in the days to come.
Former Governor Allen offer thoughts, again in the Post [1]:
Allen, who succeeded Wilder, said he will advise Youngkin to fill out his administration with highly knowledgeable people, recalling how he kept on much of Wilder’s finance staff.
“Personnel is policy,” Allen said. “I wanted cabinet secretaries and leaders who knew more than I did about their area of jurisdiction.”
The inauguration of Glenn Youngkin as Virginia’s 74th governor will take place in Richmond’s Capitol Square on Saturday, January 15, 2022.