Youngkin set to visit Iowa and South Carolina, denies he’s considering a run for POTUS

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Everyone loves some summer travel, and that includes Gov. Glenn Youngkin. However, Youngkin might be packing more than sunscreen and a bathing suit.

“They’re very interesting choices for where to spend his summer vacation, we’ll put it that way,” Randolph-Macon Political Science Professor Rich Meagher told 8News.

Youngkin is reportedly slated to visit both Iowa and South Carolina -- two states where presidential ambitions are born.

“I mean, these are destinations for people who are exploring a presidential bid,” Meagher said. 

Meagher emphasized that it’s very common for those typically considering a run for president to visit states that have early primaries like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

“I think he’s just trying to keep his options open,” Meagher told 8News. “That’s what these kinds of early visits are all about, keeping your name out there, introducing yourselves to the right people, whether it's voters, or donors, or politicians who are out in those states.”

However, earlier in July, Youngkin dismissed the idea that his trips have anything to do with future national aspirations.

“I’ve told everybody over and over and over again that I am not one of those political leaders who spends any time thinking about what's next," Youngkin told reporters. "One commitment that I have made over and over and over again to the Commonwealth of Virginia is I am focused on Virginia."

Youngkin’s trip to Iowa is scheduled for July 17, while his visit to South Carolina will take place on Aug. 9.