Glenn Youngkin approval rating: height,not running for governor,Reddit,Catholic

Glenn Youngkin, the 74th Governor of Virginia, has drawn significant attention since his election in 2021. His leadership has been characterised by a combination of business-executive credentials, cultural and education-focused campaign messaging, and a visible Christian faith. As he moves through his term, his job approval ratings, future political ambitions, background (including his height), and religious profile are all topics of interest—both in mainstream media and on platforms such as Reddit.

This article examines:

1. Youngkin’s current and historical approval ratings

2. His background (height, career, personal)

3. His religious/faith profile (including Catholic voters)

4. Reddit and social-media commentary about him

5. Whether he’s running or likely to run for governor again (or for other office)

6. What his approval rating tells us about his prospects and challenges

1. Approval Ratings: Where They Stand

Current figures and trends

Governor Youngkin’s approval numbers have fluctuated during his term, but generally lean positive:

• Early 2024 polling reported his approval at about 58% among Virginians, marking a record high.

• Other surveys put his approval around 54%, with 31% disapproval.

• In May 2023, a poll found approval at approximately 51%, down from 57% in February 2023.

• Late 2023 surveys showed approval at around 52%, even after Republican losses in the Virginia legislature.

• A 2024 survey listed his approval at 53%, with a net positive of 17 points.

In short: despite some legislative setbacks and a politically divided state, Youngkin’s job approval has maintained a modest majority.

Interpretation: What’s behind the numbers

Several factors help explain his relative stability in approval:

• Business credentials & outsider appeal: Youngkin came from the private-equity world, positioning himself as a pragmatic executive rather than career politician.

• Education & culture issues: His campaign emphasized parental rights, education reform, and school policy, which resonated with certain suburban and moderate voters.

• Tax cuts & economy: He has promoted tax-relief initiatives and job-growth claims in Virginia, bolstering support among economically oriented voters.

• Faith and values: His visible Christian faith and affiliation with evangelical-style church activity may have boosted his standing among religious voters.

Risks and weak spots

• Approval is above 50%, but it’s not overwhelmingly dominant—shifts in the political environment could erode support.

• Among Democrats, the approval is much lower: in one survey only about 34% approved versus 86% of Republicans.

• Party legislative losses may limit his ability to deliver on his agenda, potentially dampening approval over time.

Comparison & national context

By mid-2024, his approval rating placed him among the more popular governors in the U.S., showing strong performance relative to peers in other states. Governors often enjoy higher approval than federal officials, and his numbers place him in the upper tier nationally.

2. Background & Personal Profile

Height

Youngkin is notably tall:

• During his college basketball years at Rice University, he was listed at 6′7″ (≈201 cm).

• Recent records list him around 6′5″ (≈196 cm).

This slight discrepancy is common for public figures, but either way, his height gives him a commanding physical presence.

Career & early life

• Born December 9, 1966, in Richmond, Virginia.

• Attended Norfolk Academy in high school and played basketball.

• Dual degrees from Rice University (BA in managerial studies, BS in mechanical engineering) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

• Worked in investment banking, consulting at McKinsey, and later joined Carlyle Group, rising to co-CEO in 2018.

• Resigned in 2020 to run for Governor of Virginia.

Personal and family

• Married to Suzanne since 1995; they have four children.

• Residence: Great Falls, Virginia.

• Founded the Virginia Ready Initiative with his wife, focusing on workforce training and job placement.

3. Faith, Religious Profile & Catholic Angle

Faith background

Youngkin is a public Christian figure:

• He was affiliated with St. John’s Episcopal Church and later with Holy Trinity Church, which he and his wife helped found.

• His campaign and governance have included faith-based statements, prayer, and visible Christian engagement.

• On issues such as abortion, religious freedom, and education, his positions align with conservative Christians and evangelicals.

Catholic voters and religion

Although Youngkin is not Catholic, his faith profile is relevant to Catholic voters and religious demographics:

• Some Catholic voters in Virginia supported him due to pro-life and education/parental rights positions.

• His strong support among white evangelicals indicates faith-based appeal, though this is predominantly Protestant.

• Exit-poll style data suggested Catholics gave him a share of the vote, though less than evangelical support.

Why religion matters for approval and support

• Faith functions as a signal of moral character and social values for religious voters.

• His agenda emphasizes parental rights and education reform, resonating with religiously motivated audiences.

• However, his association with evangelical Christianity may limit appeal among secular voters or non-Christian demographics.

4. Reddit & Social-Media Commentary

Examples

• Reddit discussions note his approval ratings and highlight differences between poll results and online perceptions.

• Some comments focus on his height as a novelty, noting his basketball background.

• Faith-based policy and church involvement are debated, with critics questioning the mixing of religion and politics.

Insights from Reddit

• Reddit commentary tends to be more critical than general-population polls.

• Some users question the validity of approval numbers or highlight skepticism about his policies.

• There are pockets of vocal opposition, showing that despite majority approval, online communities can be significantly more critical.

5. Future Ambitions & Running for Office

Can he run again for Governor?

• Virginia law bars governors from consecutive terms. Youngkin cannot run in the 2025 election.

• Any return to the governorship would require a four-year gap.

Presidential ambitions or other office?

• In 2023, Youngkin explicitly said he would not launch a 2024 presidential campaign.

• Analysts suggest a 2028 presidential bid remains possible, though legislative losses and state-level challenges may impact momentum.

Implications for approval

• Maintaining or improving approval requires tangible policy success in areas like education, economy, and taxes.

• Future national ambitions could boost his profile but also increase scrutiny.

• Focusing on Virginia-specific issues may strengthen approval among his base.

6. What His Approval Rating Tells Us About His Prospects and Challenges

Strengths

• A ~55–60% approval rating in a politically diverse state indicates a broad coalition.

• Strong appeal among suburban Republicans, independents, and some Democrats provides leverage.

• Stable approval offers a platform for future ambitions.

Challenges

• Approval depends on delivering results, especially on key issues affecting everyday Virginians.

• Partisan divides are deep; shifts among independent voters could reduce approval.

• Any negative news, policy missteps, or perceived focus on national ambitions over state governance could erode support.

Strategic implications

• Prioritize visible policy wins and engagement with moderate voters.

• Balance faith-based messaging with broader appeal to Virginia’s diverse electorate.

• Navigate governance and national ambitions carefully to maintain credibility.

Conclusion

Glenn Youngkin has established a unique position in Virginia politics: a tall, business-savvy, faith-oriented Republican governor in a state trending blue. His approval ratings reflect a strong, though not overwhelming, mandate, generally hovering in the mid-to-high 50s.

His personal profile, faith, and campaign priorities—education reform, tax relief, parental rights—help him maintain support, though challenges remain among Democrats and secular voters. Reddit commentary and online discussion highlight skepticism and criticism not always visible in polls, emphasizing that his approval is not without fault lines.

Virginia law prevents him from running consecutively for governor, limiting immediate political options. While national ambitions are possible, his focus remains on state-level governance for now.

In summary, Youngkin’s approval rating shows a governor with significant support and strong public presence, yet also one who must carefully navigate governance, party dynamics, and voter expectations to maintain his political trajectory.