It was a morning of respectful tradition, as a Democratic governor welcomed his Republican successor and joined with seven other former governors to welcome Youngkin and say farewell to Northam.
“Well, this is a heck of a group,” Youngkin exclaimed as he walked into the Jefferson Room to meet with Democrats Chuck Robb, Doug Wilder, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Republicans George Allen, Jim Gilmore and Bob McDonnell.
McDonnell, the last Republican to serve as governor, replied, “Welcome to the group!”
After posing with eight of Virginia’s nine other living governors for ceremonial photographs, Youngkin told them, “Being here today is what ‘one Virginia’ is all about.”
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat whom Youngkin defeated in November, did not attend but sent his regrets.
McAuliffe, who preceded Northam as governor, said on Twitter that he and his wife, Dorothy, had hoped to attend “but are quarantining due to a close COVID contact in the interest of health and safety.”
“We wish Glenn Youngkin and the new administration well today as they start their term,” the 72nd governor tweeted.
