RALEIGH — Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered a rousing, and at times humorous, speech to North Carolina Republicans during the Old North State Dinner at the 2025 North Carolina GOP convention on June 7.
NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons, who won reelection to the post earlier that evening, introduced Youngkin. Youngkin’s speech was preceded by remarks from N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and Auditor Dave Boliek.
The speech emphasized the shared history of Virginia and North Carolina, highlighting conservative values, the importance of defending freedom and the need to secure electoral victories in 2026. Drawing on Virginia’s political turnaround, Youngkin said he had “optimism” for America and urged attendees to lead with “passion” and “commitment” to uphold liberty and prosperity.
“I have an amazing sense of optimism about America,” Youngkin said. “I see the golden age. I see an America that understands that faith and family and hard work are things we must defend. The Constitution must be complied with and not ignored.”
Youngkin highlighted the historical and ideological bonds between Virginia and North Carolina, noting their shared commitment to freedom. He specifically praised North Carolina’s role in the American Revolution by citing the Halifax Resolves.
“It was in North Carolina that the Halifax Resolves was the first place where a state sent your delegate to sign a Declaration of Independence,” he said, underscoring the state’s “First in Freedom” legacy.
“And you see this idea of First in Freedom I know is something that everyone in North Carolina is proud of,” said Youngkin. “And let me tell you, you did it again because you were first in freedom and helping America elect the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump.”
The governor, a potential 2026 U.S. Senate or 2028 presidential/vice presidential candidate, contrasted Virginia’s struggles under “dire” Democratic single-party rule with a conservative values revival under his administration since 2021. He described a state burdened by progressive policies, including 25,000 small business closures, a 20-year high murder rate and education setbacks.
“Virginia was buckling under the weight, the dead weight of failed progressive left policies,” Youngkin told attendees. “But just like Americans did in 2024, Virginians in 2021 locked arms and stood up and said enough. They had to choose.
“And in 2021, Virginians had a stark choice. They could either continue the path towards the abyss or choose a different path towards prosperity. And the path they chose sent shockwaves across the country.”
He credited Virginians’ 2021 election of himself, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares with reversing the progressive decline, noting his administration delivered $9 billion in tax relief, cut 80,000 regulations and attracted $100 billion in capital investments while creating 270,000 jobs.
Youngkin shared a personal anecdote about his decision to run for governor, recounting a pivotal moment with his wife, Suzanne.
“Late on a Friday night in July, I went and found my amazing wife, Suzanne, and I asked her to go on a walk with me,” he said. At the end of their driveway, he told her, “I’m being called to do something that I need you to do with me. Tomorrow I’m going to quit my job, and I’m going to run for governor.”
Attendees of the dinner laughed as he then humorously noted her response as, “Governor of what?” before the couple prayed together for guidance.
Youngkin praised North Carolina’s Republican legislature for overriding 50 of former North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes to pass tax relief, a Parents’ Bill of Rights, getting males out of female sports and strengthening law enforcement with ICE.
The 58-year-old Youngkin then stressed the stakes of future elections.
“Elections have consequences,” he declared, warning against a “left path” of open borders and economic decline while advocating for a “right path” of secure borders, prosperity and opportunity.
He celebrated North Carolina’s role in Trump in 2024 and securing a Republican House majority.
“The Republican Party of North Carolina understands what it means to work hard, to win. And you also understand that there was nothing moderate about Gov. Roy Cooper,” said Youngkin. “You understand what the so-called “moderate Democrat” means today.
“My friends, we have to win. And that is our next opportunity. It’s up to everyone to prepare to win in 2026.”
Youngkin concluded with a call to action for Republicans in 2026.
“We don’t follow; we lead,” he said. “That is my challenge to all of you — we must lead.”
