McAuliffe concedes defeat to Youngkin

Democrat Terry McAuliffe conceded defeat to Republican Glenn Youngkin Wednesday morning, acknowledging there’s no path remaining for him to overtake Youngkin as vote-tallying continues in Virginia’s closely watched race for governor.

“Congratulations to Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin on his victory,” McAuliffe said in a news release. “I hope Virginians will join me in wishing the best to him and his family.”

McAuliffe was seeking a second term as governor after serving in the job from 2014 to 2018. In his concession statement, he reiterated the broad themes of his campaign.

“While last night we came up short, I am proud that we spent this campaign fighting for the values we so deeply believe in,” he said. “We must protect Virginia’s great public schools and invest in our students. We must protect affordable health care coverage, raise the minimum wage faster and expand paid leave so working families have a fighting shot. We must protect voting rights, protect a woman’s right to choose, and, above all else, we must protect our democracy. While there will be setbacks along the way, I am confident that the long term path of Virginia is toward inclusion, openness and tolerance for all.”