Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed confidence that Republicans would secure victories in both the Senate and House during the January 7th special election in Loudoun County, a move he says will alter the “entire dynamic,” of the state’s General Assembly.
“We’re going to, in fact, flip our Senate, and we can tie the House and change the entire dynamic of our General Assembly,” Youngkin emphasized at a campaign rally on January 4, 2025, at the Freedom High School in Chantilly, Virginia, supporting Senate candidate for District 32, Tumay Harding, and House Delegate candidate for District 26, Indian American Ram Venkatachalam.
Youngkin described the upcoming election as an “important one” and lauded the two Republican candidates for stepping up to represent Loudoun County. “This is an amazing opportunity for us to do something that changes the entire profile of our General Assembly. These two amazing candidates said, ‘Send me.’ Let’s send them to Richmond,” he urged attendees.
Youngkin expressed in 2021, Virginians took a stand for common sense by voting to elect him, Attorney General Jason Miyares, and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears. In 2024, the nation followed suit, choosing common sense by electing Donald Trump as President. Now, it’s time for Loudoun County to uphold that same principle by electing Ram and Tumay and sending them to Richmond.
The Governor highlighted the Republican Party’s focus on economic relief, citing his administration’s $5 billion in tax cuts during his first two years. These include eliminating grocery taxes and reducing taxes on veterans’ retirement income. He proposed further tax relief measures, such as eliminating car taxes and exempting tips from taxation.
He also emphasized his commitment to key priorities: making Virginia schools “the envy of the nation,” empowering parents, supporting law enforcement, and increasing salaries for police officers.
Venkatachalam, promised to be a “leader” in Richmond and criticized both his Democratic predecessor and opponent for failing to serve public interests. He outlined his priorities, including eliminating car taxes, promoting academic excellence and merit-based education, enhancing school safety, and passing a 24-hour parental notification bill.
Venkatachalam also urged voters to participate despite the looming winter storm, emphasizing that turnout could determine the election outcome.
Harding, echoed these sentiments, calling the special election a “gift” and an opportunity to flip the Senate. “Protect our children, protect our communities, and let’s move forward. Enough of the divisiveness,” she said, acknowledging support from the Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and other communities.
Harding reflected on her family’s immigrant journey, noting her parents escaped communism to pursue the American Dream. “I’m here today to make sure the American Dream is still around for our children and for the next generation,” said Harding, whose daughters attend Loudoun County Public Schools.
VA Congresswoman from the 2nd District, Jen Kiggans “It’s important for me to be here today because there’s so much going on in the state of Virginia. I had the privilege of sitting in the State Senate for three years as a State Senator representing Virginia Beach, so I certainly understand what that fight looks like.”
Kiggans highlighted the slim margins in the General Assembly—49-51 in the House and 21-19 in the Senate—and the importance of these races. “Every single election matters. And the one thing that matters the most is having the majority. And we’re so close, you can almost feel it… The fight is so real,” she said.
Other prominent speakers included Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, Virginia State Delegate Todd Gilbert, and Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman, all rallying support for the GOP candidates.
Related posts:
Loudoun County Special Election: Spanberger, Srinivasan, and Singh Rally Voters Ahead of January 7th
‘Tumay Harding and Ram Venkatachalam are Commonsense Conservatives Who Will be Dedicated Partners in Our Work’
‘My Inspiration to Run for Office Stems from the Need for Strong and Stable Leadership in the 26th District’
‘I am Known for a Brand of Politics in Richmond for Reaching Across the Aisle, Building Consensus and Deep Relationships’
