One of the most significant powers is the appointment of cabinet secretaries (formally, “Secretaries of the Commonwealth” refers to a specific constitutional office, but in practice, this term is often used to mean the Governor’s Cabinet members). These positions are crucial to the operation of Virginia’s agencies. In other states, some equivalent officials are directly elected by the people; however, in Virginia, they are appointed by the Governor and report directly to him, working closely with agencies to implement his policies. While their roles and titles often mirror those of federal cabinet secretaries, there are notable differences in how they are appointed and operate at the state level.

In Virginia, both chambers of the General Assembly must agree to confirm a cabinet appointment. If one party controls the House of Delegates and the other controls the Senate, the process often results in concessions or the appointment of more bipartisan candidates. If the chambers cannot agree before the end of the legislative session, the Governor may make an interim appointment that lasts until the next session. These interim appointments are especially impactful because, unlike Congress, the General Assembly typically meets in regular session only once a year. This means a Governor could simply wait until the end of session to appoint someone without legislative approval, allowing that appointee to exercise full authority in the meantime.

Another unique power is the Governor’s veto authority. While most are familiar with the Governor’s ability to veto a bill outright, Virginia’s Governor can also return a bill with recommendations or amendments, or send it back with only recommendations. All of these—except taking no action—require General Assembly approval for the bill to become law. On top of this, the Governor wields an especially powerful tool in budget matters: the line-item veto. This allows the Governor to strike specific appropriations or language from the budget, and unless two-thirds of the General Assembly vote to restore them, those provisions remain removed. Governor Youngkin has made extensive use of this authority, shaping Virginia’s budget in ways that highlight the difference between state and federal budget processes.

Of course, these are just two of the many responsibilities and powers of Virginia’s Governor. I’ve chosen to highlight them to illustrate just how influential the office can be. The Governor is often viewed as a “mini-president,” but in many respects, the role carries more concentrated authority over their government than the President has over the federal government.

That’s why it’s critical we elect Republican Winsome Earle-Sears as our next Governor. She has proven herself as a strong conservative leader, dedicated to cutting wasteful spending, defending parental rights, supporting law enforcement, and advancing pro-growth economic policies. With the power to appoint key state leaders, shape the budget, and stand as a check against liberal overreach in the General Assembly, Winsome Earle-Sears will ensure Virginia stays on the path of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and common-sense governance. This November, we have the opportunity to secure strong, principled leadership for the next four years, and we can’t afford to let it slip away.

My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]