What political incentive is there for Youngkin to be a moderate? He can't run for re-election so he starts his term as a lame duck.
While Texas is right of Virginia, it's moving to the left and Abbott is increasingly doubling down on Trumpism despite the state's shifting politics. He's supporting legislation that is completely unpopular with the electorate because he can. I think you're being naïve if you don't think Youngkin and the Virginia Republicans are going to make a power grab.