Gov. Youngkin says his family was rescued during flooding in Texas

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Gov. Glenn Youngkin says his family was saved by swift water rescue crews and the Texas National Guard during the flooding in Texas last week.

The governor’s family and some friends were in Hunt, Texas when the flooding happened, he told media following an event on a separate topic.

First Lady Suzanne Youngkin was among those stranded at their property on the Guadalupe River, according to the Washington Post.

“By the grace of God, my family was safe. I have to say there were moments when they weren’t,” Youngkin said to a crowd of reporters on Tuesday, July 8.

The Youngkin family reportedly visits that Texas property a few times a year for vacation.

Youngkin himself flew to Texas later in the day on Friday. He said he was asked by Texas officials if he wanted his family to be airlifted out, but he declined that offer.

“I said no. I’ve talked to them, my family is safe, please go rescue these young campers from these places, and when everyone else has been attended to, like other people that are safe but stranded, we will deal with my family.”

Youngkin emphasized his wife’s family’s connection to that area, spanning more than 80 years.

“These people are family to us, deep relationships and therefore what happened in the wee hours of the morning on Friday has been devastating,” Youngkin said. “The loss of life is just shocking.”

The governor expressed his deepest gratitude to the brave rescue teams and national guard members who rescued his family and who continue working tirelessly in Texas.