WATCH: Youngkin delivers his final State of the Commonwealth address
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) delivered his final State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday evening.
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Youngkin delivered the 2026 State of the Commonwealth address at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.
This was the final time Youngkin took part in this annual tradition during his term, as Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) will soon begin her tenure as Virginia's governor.
During his speech Wednesday night, Youngkin declared his administration a great renaissance -- one that left Virginia stronger than it was before he took office.
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"We have strengthened the spirit of Virginia together," he said. "A spirit of courage and fortitude, of compassion and love, of resiliency in the face of challenges -- and always rising to meet new ones. And this same spirit was beating in the hearts of our forebearers 250 years ago, as well."
Youngkin said he's leaving Virginia in great shape for the incoming Democratic trifecta, describing the state as "soaring," "competing" and "winning." He said this was for a variety of reasons, including growth in education, business and technology.
"This transformation started with business investments and jobs, and declaring on day one that Virginia was open for business," Youngkin said.
The governor gave specific examples of companies that have made investments in Virginia since he took office, including LEGO, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca and Hitachi. He said the revenue from these business opportunities will result in billions of dollars in tax relief.
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"We must make Virginia the place companies want to build their futures," Youngkin said.
Youngkin also brought up data centers, emphasizing how much value he feels they will bring to Virginia's economy. There's abundant concern about strain on the state's power grid, as well as rising utility costs -- but Youngkin claimed that these businesses would pay their fair share.
According to Youngkin, all of the growth under his administration could disappear if Virginia's new leadership makes certain changes.
"Please hear me loud and clear: change 'Right to Work' and jobs will disappear," he said. "People will leave, and they will take their tax dollars with them. No amendments. No reforms. No change."
All in all, Youngkin said he is handing the keys to the Governor's Mansion over to Spanberger feeling grateful for the time he spent leading the Commonwealth.
"Virginia should and Virginia must continue to lead," Youngkin said. "It has been the honor of a lifetime for Suzanne and me to serve in this season alongside all of you. So, from the bottom of our incredibly grateful hearts: 'Thank you, Virginia.'"
Youngkin's address is included in full below.
Following Youngkin's address, in accordance with protocol, two Democratic officials provided their response to his comments. This included the Virginia Senate's president pro tempore, Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), as well as Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax County).
Youngkin's opponents did not mince words when describing his tenure. They did not agree with his assessment, instead saying he left a "mess" behind.
They cited how, according to CNBC, Virginia has dropped from the number one state for business to the number four state nationwide.
"Virginia dropped to number four not because Virginia stopped working, not because our talent dried up, but because Virginians' federal workforce got crushed by Trump's policies and reckless federal cuts," Lucas said.
You can watch the Democrats' response in full below.
The next time Virginians hear a State of the Commonwealth Address, it will be delivered by Spanberger. Her inauguration is set for Saturday, Jan. 17.
