How Much Has Glenn Youngkin Changed Virginia?

His policies have set the state on a better track, but anti-Trump sentiment could swamp his successes

By Sierra Dawn McClain of The WSJ. Excerpts:

"In 2017 during Mr. McAuliffe’s term, the Virginia Board of Education made it easier for schools to retain their accreditation if students weren’t performing at grade level. A report from the state Education Department found that Virginia defined proficiency on its fourth-grade reading test below the national basic level and set “the lowest bars in the nation for fourth-grade math and eighth-grade reading.”

"By raising standards, the state got an honest assessment and found that 30% to 40% of schools needed significant help."

"His administration has funded tutoring, changed the school accreditation process, and made it easier for parents to view their children’s grades online."

"He says his administration has cut 90,000 regulations, and he has kept labor costs low by vetoing significant increases in the minimum wage."

"Between the fourth quarter of 2021 (the last before Mr. Youngkin took office) and the first quarter of 2025, Virginia has ranked 16th of the 50 states in economic growth"

"During the same 2021-25 period, Virginia’s gross domestic product grew by 8.1% in real terms, Maryland’s by only 5.6%. Per capita personal income rose 19%, Maryland’s 18%." 

"Since January 2022 . . . Virginia’s nonfarm employment has increased by 7.3%, Maryland’s by 6.1%."

"Between 2021 and 2024, the state experienced a 30% decline in homicides."