Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, elected Thursday, unveiled a broad education plan he said he wanted to implement “from day one” of his new administration in January.

Mr Youngkin, who narrowly beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Tuesday’s election, said he wanted to raise educational standards, expand charter schools and increase teacher salaries.

The Republican, who has never held public office before, said he is also considering candidates for secretary of state for education and superintendent.

“We have a great program in education,” Mr. Youngkin said on the Hugh Hewitt show. “I think one of the things that was clear about this campaign is that education is at the forefront of voters’ minds, and it was not a Republican versus Democrat issue. It was a universally united issue for parents.

Mr Youngkin said he also wants to ensure First Amendment rights are protected on college campuses and that schools do not foster a culture of cancellation.

The governor-elect also pledged to fund historically black colleges and universities in each annual budget, as well as increase spending on special education programs.

“Virginia’s universities are among the most respected in the world, and we will continue to make sure they uphold the ideals we all embrace. And having our First Amendment rights fully expressed on our college campuses is really important to me, ”said Youngkin.

Mr Youngkin beat Mr McAuliffe by about 2 percentage points on Tuesday. The Republican focused on education issues, including eradicating the critical racial theory program from schools, in his campaign.

In the final months of the campaign, Mr Youngkin militarized Mr McAuliffe’s comments during their final debate, where the Democrat said parents should have limited say in public schools.

In his interview, Mr Youngkin said that the main goal of his education plan is to foster a system in which students can be fully prepared to enter the world of work.

“We saw support in all minority groups, and it was around raising our children,” Youngkin said. “What we expressed in our campaign was a real agenda to take politics out of the classroom and work to educate children to be ready for life – ready for college or for careers with a program that works for them. really allows you to excel and run as fast as you can. “

Mr. Youngkin’s victory was joined by Republican Lieutenant Governor-elect Winsome Sears, who will be the first woman of color to hold the post.

Republican Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares will replace incumbent Democrat Mark Herring.

The day of the inauguration is January 15th.