Virginia Gov Youngkin, a top '28 presidential prospect, to be guest speaker at S Carolina GOP gala

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be the guest speaker at South Carolina’s prestigious Silver Elephant Gala next month.

The event, announced Tuesday by host the South Carolina Republican Party, will take place August 9.

Youngkin, who by Virginia law can serve only one time as governor, has been repeatedly mentioned as a top 2028 GOP presidential candidate, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Macro Rubio and several others. 

Trump, who is also term limited, in February left open the door for a field of contenders when he declined to endorse Vance as heir apparent. 

"It's too early," he said.

A story in The Hill newspaper at about that time said Youngkin was in 2021 "catapulted onto the national stage when he defeated former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (R) in the race for the state’s governor’s mansion. Youngkin’s victory was seen as a comeback for Republicans, taking place one year after former President Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 presidential election."

In the South Carolina GOP's X post announcing Youngkin as this year’s speaker, Chairman Drew McKissik said: "His bold, conservative leadership in Virginia has inspired republicans across the country.  He’s shown that strong principles and smart policy win elections - and more importantly, deliver results."

This year’s gala will be the 58th and the longest-standing Republican event in state history.

Last month, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, considered a top 2028 Democratic presidential prospect, spoke at his party's version of Silver Elephant Gala, fueling speculation he will run.

South Carolina is an early-voting state in presidential balloting and essentially kicks off voting across the South. A win there, or at least a strong finish, is considered crucial for a campaign to continue. 

Ronald Reagan was the Silver Elephant Gala's inaugural speaker. Previous speakers also include Trump, Arkansas Gov. Huckabee Sanders, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Vice President Mike Pence.