Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Senator Lamont Bagby issued the following statement in response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth Address:
“Tonight’s State of the Commonwealth was Glenn Youngkin’s final attempt to spin a failed record, but Virginians are not buying it. After four years in office, he leaves behind higher costs, weaker economic security, and repeated threats to health care and basic freedoms. Instead of focusing on affordability, including the rising cost of energy, Youngkin fueled division, chased Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, and governed through chaos while working families paid more for groceries, housing, and utility bills.
The speech was heavy on rhetoric and light on accountability. Virginians do not need spin. They have lived the consequences of higher costs, rising energy prices, growing uncertainty, and a governor more interested in culture wars than making life more affordable.
That is why today felt different in the General Assembly. With 85 Democrats now serving, there was real energy and excitement in Richmond focused on affordability, energy costs, stability, and governing. Lawmakers came ready to lower costs, protect health care, and move past the division and chaos that defined the Youngkin years. The contrast could not be clearer.
This Saturday, Virginia will inaugurate Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi, and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones. Their leadership marks a clean break from the chaos and division of the last four years and the start of a new chapter focused on affordability, accountability, and opportunity for every Virginian.”