In his speech, delivered Monday, the governor assessed the progress that Virginia has achieved in improving the state’s safety, including the seizure of 16,000 pounds of “illicit opioids” and a 23% decrease in overdose deaths from these drugs. Youngkin then introduced Jennifer Johnson, a Virginia mother whose son, PJ, died after he purchased drugs laced with fentanyl.

“He was just 19 years old, with his whole life ahead of him,” Youngkin stated. “And the drug dealer is still on the street. In Jennifer’s words, she wants us to remember that PJ shouldn’t be defined by one bad decision. Jennifer, please know we are committed to do the work so no mother should suffer what you and your family have.”

Governor @GlennYoungkin introduces Jennifer Johnson, a mom who tragically lost her son to the fentanyl crisis:

“Jennifer, we are committed to do the work so no mother should suffer what you and your family have. We have collectively made an impact on the evil of fentanyl, but to… pic.twitter.com/ydfO8QbMTc

— Team Youngkin – Spirit of Virginia (@TeamYoungkin) January 13, 2025

Youngkin further detailed the next steps Virginia needs to take in combatting illegal drugs, calling for the penalty to be raised to felony homicide for either the manufacturer or the distributor of fentanyl when the drug causes a death.

Beyond his aspirations to deter drug overdoses, Youngkin also called attention to tax relief for Virginia residents, bringing up his Car Tax Credit for Working Class Families that he proposed last year. The refundable income tax credit would provide up to $150 for residents earning less than $50,000 a year, and up to $300 for joint filers making under $100,000 a year, the latter of which Youngkin argued would cover the average car tax for families of four.

In his closing statement, Youngkin encouraged Virginia lawmakers to work together and strengthen the pillars of the state and make it an even better place to live.

“God has and is truly blessing Virginia,” Youngkin said. “What an honor and privilege it is to serve this great commonwealth, to see her win, to see her soar.”

Youngkin is ineligible to seek reelection in the state’s 2025 elections, as Virginia governors cannot serve consecutive terms. When asked about what his political future holds for him, including the prospect of working in Donald Trump’s White House, Youngkin said he told the president-elect that he wants to finish his term as governor and that he is available to aid him during and after his governorship.

Last year, Youngkin endorsed Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA) in the 2025 gubernatorial election. With about 10 months until the election, Democrat Abigail Spanberger is leading Sears by 1 percentage point in a poll with a 3-point margin of error.