Former Governor Youngkin joins McGuire in final push for votes ahead of Election Day

PALMYRA, Va. (WVIR) - Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin returned to the campaign trail Monday, Nov. 2, joining Republican Congressman John McGuire for a Get Out the Vote rally in Fluvanna County as McGuire seeks a second term representing Virginia’s 5th Congressional District.

Supporters gathered at Lazy S Ranch in Palmyra ahead of the Nov. 3 election, as McGuire faces Democrat Tom Perriello and independent candidate Cooke Harvey.

Youngkin, who served as Virginia’s governor from January 2022 through January 2026, worked alongside McGuire when the congressman served in Virginia’s General Assembly. McGuire credited that relationship with helping attract business investment to the district.

“As a fresh member of Congress, Governor Glenn Youngkin was probably 90% of the work helping me talk with CEOs to bring $20 billion into the 5th Congressional District,” McGuire said.

McGuire claimed those investments created approximately 7,000 jobs. He also pointed to his first-term record in Congress, highlighting economic development, constituent assistance, public safety and infrastructure projects.

One legislative accomplishment McGuire discussed was the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act, which he introduced in November 2025.

The legislation, H.R. 6365, would require the U.S. Department of the Interior to grant a right-of-way across certain National Park Service property, allowing construction of an additional emergency exit route for the Wintergreen community in Nelson County.

The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 3, 2026, with bipartisan support. McGuire described the legislation as an example of his ability to work with Democrats and Republicans on issues affecting the district.

“If you disagree with me, you’re not my enemy. I’m going to still be respectful, but we’re still Americans,” McGuire said.

Youngkin praised McGuire’s first-term work, highlighting his positions on taxes, immigration enforcement, economic development and law enforcement.

“He’s an incredibly good man, who works incredibly hard, who believes in the Lord, believes in family, and believes in our work,” Youngkin said.

McGuire’s campaign also identifies protecting Second Amendment rights, abortion restrictions, First Amendment protections, property rights, lowering prescription drug prices and securing the southern border among his priorities.

Youngkin argued McGuire’s support for those policies reflects the interests of voters in the 5th District.

His endorsement also came with criticism of the Democrat trying to unseat McGuire.

“You had somebody who wasn’t willing to do any of that, named Tom Perriello, who was in Congress, and you already fired him. You sent him home because you didn’t want him anymore,” Youngkin said.

Perriello served in Congress from 2009 until 2011 before losing his reelection bid to Republican Robert Hurt in 2010.

Sixteen years later, Perriello is seeking a return to Washington. His campaign has focused on affordability, health care access, reducing costs for families and concerns about federal economic policies.

Looking ahead to another potential term, McGuire identified helping younger Americans purchase homes as one of his first priorities.

“Day one, I’d like to help young people buy a house,” McGuire said. “So, I have the American Dream Act. It used to be 20% of Americans under age 30 owned a home. Now, it’s closer to 1%.”

The legislation would amend the federal tax code to exclude qualifying capital gains when property owners age 65 or older sell real estate to first-time homebuyers.

Under the proposal, qualifying properties would need to sell for $500,000 or less. The tax exclusion would be available for five years beginning after Dec. 31, 2026.

Beyond McGuire’s legislative record, the Nov. 2 rally focused heavily on getting supporters to the polls.

Youngkin repeatedly encouraged attendees to reach out to people who had not voted.

“If you have voted, get 10 friends to go vote, and let’s send this guy back to Congress,” Youngkin told supporters.

McGuire also addressed election security when asked whether he had concerns about the Nov. 3 election.

“We’ve signed up poll watchers in every county, city, and town. And I’d ask everybody, if you see something, say something, do something. And hopefully we’ll have a free and fair election tomorrow,” McGuire said.

not permitted to interfere with voting or the work of election officers.

McGuire will hold an election night watch party in Charlottesville on Nov. 3, beginning at 7 p.m. at First Free Coffee Bar at 340 Towncenter Lane in north Charlottesville.

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