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Youngkin, Northam pledge smooth power transition in Virginia

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Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Virginia Gov.-elect, Glenn Youngkin, second from right, speaks to the media as Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, second from left, Suzanne Youngkin, right, and Pam Northam look on after a transition meeting outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

RICHMOND, Va. ā€“ Republican Virginia Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin met with outgoing Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday for a lunch with their wives at the executive mansion in Richmond, and in cordial remarks afterward both pledged a smooth transition of power.

ā€œToday was the beginning of a friendship,ā€ said Youngkin, who defeated Democratic nominee and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe this week in an election that also saw a wave of Republican victories in down-ballot races.

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Youngkin, a native Virginian, said he was humbled to stand in front of the historic governor's mansion. In brief remarks to the news media, he thanked Northam for hosting what he called ā€œa lovely lunch."

ā€œI just want to thank you for the incredibly cooperative way that you've, of course, expressed youā€™re going to help us,ā€ Youngkin said. ā€œItā€™s important. We have a lot of work to do.ā€

Youngkin, who selectively engaged with reporters while campaigning, pledged to be ā€œincredibly open and accessible" while in office.

Northam called the luncheon ā€” staffers said they dined on beef tenderloin, butternut and pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie ā€” an opportunity to congratulate Youngkin on a successful campaign and welcome the couple to their new home.

ā€œWe look forward to Mr. Youngkin and his wife taking over and continuing on a lot of the good progress that we made," said Northam, who was barred by state law from seeking a second consecutive term.

Youngkin will be sworn in Jan. 15. Preparations for Inauguration Day are already underway on the Capitol grounds.


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