President Joe Biden appeared to hint at a campaign event Tuesday that Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's victory in the office was fraudulent, calling Youngkin's former opponent a “real governor.” .

Vice President Kamala Harris and Mr. Biden appeared with their spouses at a campaign event in Manassas, Virginia, where each spoke to the crowd about abortion rights and access in the country.

As the president rose to speak, the crowd behind him could be heard shouting “Let's go, Joe” and holding up signs that read “Protect Choice” and “Biden-Harris.” Biden began his speech by thanking the audience and then saying “hello” to former Virginia Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, whom he called “a real governor.” (Related article: Biden's pro-abortion speech derailed by repeated interruptions by pro-Palestinian protesters)

“Hello, Virginia! And the real governor is Terry McAuliffe,” Biden said.

The president continued his speech by adding that he was “Jill Biden's husband and Kamala's running mate,” and pointing out that he was joking. (Related: Despite Biden's efforts to strengthen organized labor, unionization rates drop to record lows)

“My name is Joe Biden. I'm Jill Biden's husband and Kamala's running mate. All jokes aside, I want to thank Kamala for her leadership, protecting reproductive freedom, and so much more.” said Biden.

After Biden's statement surfaced on Twitter, Youngkin responded in a social media post: Mr. President, I'm here. ”

Mr. President, I'm here. https://t.co/wSpbqmLX9w

— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) January 23, 2024

During the 2021 state election, Youngkin beat McAuliffe became the first Republican to win a statewide race for governor in Virginia since 2009. Youngkin had won the race by almost two points, thanks to record turnout from rural areas of the state.

Republican Winsome Sears also won the post of lieutenant governor in 2021, and Republicans flipped six seats in the Virginia General Assembly.