CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin will host a Thursday afternoon lunch at the Executive Mansion with Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and soon-to-be First Gentleman Adam Spanberger.

Wednesday morning, Gov. Youngkin held a press conference during which he congratulated Spanberger, thanked candidates who ran for office, expressed appreciation for election officials and poll workers, and pointed the blame for Republican struggles in Tuesday’s election at the federal government shutdown.

“This is a great country, and the greatest thing about the United States of America is it’s a constitutional republic,” Gov. Youngkin said. “And as a constitutional republic, the people elect their leaders. Four years ago, I had the great privilege of being elected, it is one of the great honors anyone can possibly be bestowed with.”

Youngkin said because, in Virginia, Governors are limited to a single term, the job is a bit like running in a track-and-field relay.

“Therefore, every Governor comes into office recognizing that they are receiving a baton from the previous Governor and will be handing that baton to the next Governor in four years and that is exactly what’s happening over the next 10 or so weeks.”

The Governor pledged his Administration will support Governor-elect Spanberger throughout the 10 transition weeks .