Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin sparked rumors that he is considering a 2024 White House run by making a speech at Nebraska's GOP convention this weekend.

Some political strategists speculated that the trip to Nebraska indicates a move to gather attention in the bordering state of Iowa, where the pivotal first nomination contests in presidential primaries are held. 

'Going to Nebraska is as close as going to Iowa without actually stepping foot in the state,' Republican consultant Brendan Steinhauser said, 'It's hard to know for sure his motivation, but it seems like he's at least exploring or heavily flirting with the idea of a run.'

Youngkin's office denied that his appearance in Nebraska has anything to do with any plans for himself, saying he is merely doing a favor for Nebraska Governor and chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Pete Ricketts. 

But political analysts are convinced he's testing the water for a White House run, which could pit him against Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis - both seen as Republican frontrunners for the 2024 nomination. 

The Republican governor won a major upset victory against Democrat Terry McAuliffe in last year's November gubernatorial race and has since become a GOP media darling after he scored a number of major political and legislative wins in his state. 

He ran on an anti-woke platform, with his vow to crack down on critical race theory-inspired 'equity' lessons being taught in schools largely credited with helping him thrash McAuliffe - who sparked fury after insisting parents should mind their own business when it came to what schools were teaching. 

In June, he delivered on campaign promises by signing a two-year budget into law which slashed taxes and put a record-breaking amount of money into education.

'It will be worth keeping a closer eye on Youngkin as he begins to lift his national profile,' columnist Karen Tumulty in the , 'Republicans have won the popular vote in only one presidential election since 1988. He may not be the guy to end that drought. But it is past time for them to find someone who is.'

Talk of Youngkin as a strong choice for Republican ticket have begun to swirl as the 2024 field has already begun to take shape. 

Former president Donald Trump has indicated that he intends to run again - but stopped short of declaring outright -  and Florida governor Ron DeSantis has gained traction as a potential frontrunner. 

'He's [Youngkin] got an interesting message that could resonate with voters, especially those looking for a fresh face,' Steinhauser said, 'He could be an alternative to Trump, but also someone more acceptable to the majority Republicans because he isn't seen as a Never Trumper.'

Since winning Virginia, Youngkin has positioned himself as a centrist conservative. That makes him appealing for swing voters, and even for centrist Democrats who feel their party has been hijacked by a progressive platform that is intent on pushing hard-left economic and social policies.