By Paul Bedard in the Washington Examiner

Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R-VA) approval has jumped to its highest yet, making the popular chief executive even more critical to former President Donald Trump’s bid to break the Democratic grip on the commonwealth.

In a new Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College survey of Virginia likely voters, Youngkin’s popularity surged to 59%.

When compared to others, that rating makes him the sixth-most popular governor in the nation.

Youngkin’s management of Virginia’s robust economy is likely a leading factor in his approval rating, which jumped up from 52% in May. “Evaluations of the direction of the nation and the commonwealth remain stable. A small majority (51%) thinks that Virginia is headed in the right direction, while 71% think the country is on the wrong track,” according to the poll analysis.

He has governed as an upbeat conservative and championed the middle class, sometimes even more than commonwealth Democrats who have stalled some of his tax cuts and blue-collar initiatives. Virginia also has a sizable budget surplus and a strong jobs market.

Youngkin may also have benefited from staying off the Trump ticket, putting him in a good position to run for president in 2028. He was said to be on Trump’s list. Instead, the former president chose Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH).

Trump has kept Virginia in play for the fall presidential election. While Vice President Kamala Harris has opened the door to winning, the Democrats are not starting in a position of power.

In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden won by 10 points, 54%-44%. Currently, the survey said, Harris leads by just 47%-44%.

“The switch from Biden to Harris made a difference in Virginia, but perhaps not as great as some may have thought,” said Dr. Harry Wilson, senior political analyst for IPOR and professor emeritus of political science at Roanoke College. “The news for Harris is certainly better than it was for Biden, but her 3-point lead is still within the margin of error.”

“Both candidates are polling very well within their party, and there is a miniscule number of undecided voters. The party bases remain important, as always. The number who say they will vote third party is declining, and those voters may well determine who wins in Virginia,” Wilson added.