Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin attended the unveiling of the Governor’s official portrait on December 22, 2025. The event took place at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The portrait was painted by Jonathan Linton, an artist based in Sterling, Virginia.
The new portrait will be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery on the third floor of the Virginia State Capitol. This gallery displays sixteen portraits at a time as part of a rotating collection. With the addition of Governor Youngkin’s portrait, the painting of James Lindsay Almond, Jr., Virginia’s 58th Governor, has been rotated out. According to procedures for preservation and display, each governor’s portrait typically remains in the Capitol for up to sixty years before being transferred to the Library of Virginia.
During remarks at the unveiling ceremony, Governor Youngkin reflected on his term and acknowledged those who contributed to his administration: “When we entered into this season of service for the 8.8 million Virginians who hired us, we went into it with the full knowledge that in Virginia, you get four years to serve,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This portrait reflects not just one administration, but the enduring values of faith and service that are the foundation of Virginia’s strength. I thank my family, especially the First Lady, for their unwavering love and sacrifice, the dedicated public servants who worked alongside us, and artist Jonathan Linton for capturing this moment with such care and meaning. I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together these past four years. As a kid who grew up here in Richmond and then Virginia Beach, serving as your Governor has been the honor of a lifetime, and as this chapter soon comes to an end, I am grateful to each person who has helped us deliver so much good for Virginia.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin also commented on how art preserves history: “Art provides an opportunity to chronicle history and reflect stories in ways that words simply cannot,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Governors’ portraits tell the story of our Commonwealth’s leaders, and talented Virginia artist, Jonathan Linton, captured this moment in time perfectly – preserving Glenn’s legacy for future generations.”
Clerk of the Senate Susan Clarke Schaar and Clerk of the House G. Paul Nardo highlighted how these portraits contribute to understanding state government: “The historic Virginia State Capitol is a very special place that exudes history. There are so many remarkable and fascinating spaces to see, exhibits to experience as well as statues and portraits upon which to reflect and learn. All combined they help mark our ongoing experiment in representative self-government. Today’s latest addition to the Capitol Collection, part of a rich tradition dating back to 1938, reminds us anew that Virginia history continues to advance in new and exciting ways forward,” said Schaar and Nardo.
Portrait Artist Jonathan Linton described his work with state officials: “Working with the Governor and the First Lady and their team on this project was an honor, and the best kind of adventure,” said Portrait Artist Jonathan Linton. “I hope those who view this portrait will sense not only the contemporary and historical importance of the role he filled, but also the values and energy he brought to it.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by other state officials including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
