Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Visits LU, Delivers Faith-Packed Convocation Speech

President Jerry Prevo introduced the speaker by explaining how Youngkin’s first job was “washing dishes and frying eggs.” He wanted students to understand that they have to start somewhere. After being introduced by Prevo, Youngkin spoke candidly about how important his faith has been in his journey into the political world. 

He continued, discussing how discovering the calling Christ had for him came through a clear knowledge in his prayer life. Youngkin described how he and his wife prayed every morning, praying that God would put the right people in their lives to make his political career happen. 

“He cares deeply about you, and he hears our prayers, and he allows his will to be done,” Youngkin said. 

He discussed how the greatest concern is to be on God’s side. 

“He said, God is not a Republican or Democrat, and I said ‘Amen,’” said student Abigail Whitfield. “It’s pretty incredible that we have a governor that is that serious about living for the Lord. I thought that it was pretty powerful.”

Many students were happy to hear Youngkin place such a large emphasis on God’s role in his achieving office. 

“It means a lot, seeing as the governor of Virginia can have
influence over some of the things Liberty is allowed to do as a university. It is important for students to see the current governor’s political views and general worldview, both for the sake of exposure and to be able to make more informed decisions,” said student Taelor Bennett.

Youngkin also brought up some of his campaign goals, mentioning K-12 education, especially the effect of critical race theory concepts integrating their way into the classroom. 

“We can teach all of our history in our schools, the good and the bad,” Youngkin said. “We can remove divisive concepts from the classroom.” 

Youngkin has placed a large emphasis on education and children throughout his campaign. 

Along with CRT, he went on to mention his push for increased law enforcement investment. 

Towards the end of Convocation, School of Government Dean Robert Hurt joined Youngkin on stage for a Q&A. Hurt asked a few questions, including what voice the governor heard on election day, and then asked Youngkin to expand a little on the goal to reduce taxes in Virginia. 

For Youngkin, it wasn’t about Republicans or Democrats but about people uniting over changes they want to see happen. 

“Virginians are ready for us to go get things done,” Youngkin said. 

As to his goals for reducing taxes, the governor had much to say. 

“We (have) $14 billion more in tax receipts than what was expected. So, there’s a great chance for us to cut taxes, for us to return $5 billion of that to Virginians, and to invest $9 billion in education and law enforcement and mental health and behavior health. We can do both,” Youngkin said. 

Lastly, Dean Hurt asked the governor about his busted March Madness bracket, something the governor jokingly brought up at the beginning of his speech, eliciting a laugh from the audience.

As Convocation ended, Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell closed in prayer and then asked the campus to join him in praying for Governor Youngkin, that he would continue to seek God as he leads and that God would guide him as he leads the commonwealth.

wineman is a news reporter.