A spokesperson for Youngkin released a statement from the governor via text message Wednesday morning, which she said was from a TV interview that has not yet aired: “My entire intent with my comments is to make clear that violence and violence against Speaker Pelosi The crimes committed by my husband are not only unacceptable, but brutal. And I’m not very good at that. So listen, this is a personal note, it’s one between me and the speaker, just to reflect these mood.”
The letter was originally reported by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News.
Republican congressional candidate Yesli Vega speaks at a campaign rally in Stafford, Virginia, on Oct. 10. On Jan. 28, Jankin referred to the attack on Pelosi’s husband earlier in the day that left Paul Pelosi hospitalized with a fractured skull.
“There is no room for violence anywhere, but we will send [Pelosi] Back in California with him,” Yankin said at the rally.
The comment drew widespread condemnation, but Yankin declined to publicly apologize for it.
Vega lost to the Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) in Tuesday’s election.
This article has been updated with comments from Youngkin.