Donald Trump is expected to be formally selected as the Republican Party’s nominee for president this week, following a Saturday assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Hung Cao — who’s challenging Tim Kaine (D-Va.) for the commonwealth’s junior Senate seat — are slated to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where the nomination's set to be formalized.
A representative from Cao's campaign wrote in a Sunday email that he "looks forward to attending" the event.
VPM News also reached out to the governor's media representatives. This story will be updated when a response is received.
Members of the commonwealth’s political class responded to the assassination attempt on social media and through their press representatives on Saturday.
House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott and Minority Leader Todd Gilbert issued a joint statement the night of the shooting.
“We were shocked and alarmed to learn of the violence that took place at the rally today. This is not a reflection of our shared values,” the statement said. “In America, we settle political differences through free and fair elections. There is no place for violence in politics. Every American has the right to gather peacefully and participate in our political system.”
Democratic U.S Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who’s running for governor, didn’t mention Trump by name in a post to X while condemning the shooting.
“My prayers are with the 45th President, and I wish him a swift and complete recovery,” the post said. “Thank you to the law enforcement and first responders on the scene for the quick response. As we learn more, we must be clear that political violence is never acceptable in America.”
U.S. Rep. Bob Good, who’s currently amid a recount effort after his primary race with state Sen. John McGuire, wrote that he was relieved Trump – who endorsed McGuire in the primary race — was safe.
“Tonight’s tragic shooting reminds us of the evil that is present in the world, and the frailty and preciousness of life,” Good wrote. “We thank God for protecting President Trump, and we pray for the families of the others who were victims of this horrific act.”
Cao simply asked: “Where the hell is Joe Biden?”
Biden on Saturday called the shooting “sick” and spoke with Trump about the incident, according to the White House.
NPR updates on the Trump shooting
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Youngkin’s attendance at the Milwaukee convention would follow his appearance alongside Trump at a Virginia rally the day after the first presidential debate, contributing to speculation that he could be selected as the GOP’s vice presidential nominee.
Youngkin was asked directly by reporters in Petersburg last week about potentially being picked as Trump’s running mate.
Youngkin said he’s “humbled” to be mentioned as a possible VP candidate. Still, Virginia’s governor has deflected questions about joining the Trump ticket.
“I love my job. I love what we’re doing in Virginia,” Youngkin told reporters. “I wake up every morning with a spring in my step, and I go to work knowing Virginia is absolutely on a roll and it’s exciting to see it happen.”
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham recently suggested during a Face the Nation interview that Youngkin could make a good running mate.
“If we win Virginia, we win,” Graham said. “It is over. So, I'm hoping President Trump is looking for a VP pick that not only can carry on the American first agenda after he leaves, but also win in 2024.”
Typical convention proceedings occur over four days. About 2,400 Republican delegates from across the country will approve the party’s political platform and are expected to formally designate Trump and his as-yet-undetermined running mate as the nominees.
Those in attendance will hear from GOP officials and others rallying for support against the re-election of Biden, who will attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August.
Youngkin was once thought of as a potential presidential nominee himself. But after a disappointing general election last November, the governor dismissed plans of a 2024 presidential bid, saying he’d be solely focused on Virginia for the remainder of his term — which ends in 2026.
