On Thursday, September 5th, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears announced her candidacy for governor, aiming to build on her historic achievements in Virginia politics. Earle-Sears, a Jamaican-born immigrant who moved to the United States at age six, has already made history as the first Black woman and first female veteran to be elected statewide in Virginia. Her campaign for governor is expected to focus on conservative values, education reform, and economic development, aligning with her background as a businesswoman and former Marine.
Earle-Sears has a distinguished career in public service and community engagement. She was elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates in 2002, becoming the first Republican to represent a majority-Black district in Virginia since 1865. Her victory as Lieutenant Governor in 2021 marked her as the first female and first naturalized citizen to hold statewide office in the Commonwealth. Throughout her career, Sears has been a staunch advocate for veterans’ rights, educational advancement, and economic opportunities, often reflecting on her own experiences as an immigrant and a veteran.
Before entering politics, Earle-Sears was actively involved in various civic roles, including serving as Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education and as a presidential appointee to the U.S. Census Bureau. She has also held significant roles on multiple state boards, such as the Virginia Tourism Authority and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Her extensive travels across Virginia—over 28,000 miles since taking office—have helped her connect with diverse communities, amplifying her appeal across different voter bases.
As Lieutenant Governor, Earle-Sears has been a strong voice in the Virginia Senate, where she often presides and casts tie-breaking votes. Her tenure has been marked by her efforts to bolster Virginia’s aerospace industry, support rural development, and enhance state security measures. She has been particularly vocal about education, advocating for parental involvement and choice in schools. Her leadership extends beyond politics; she has also been a leader in community service, managing a prison ministry and directing a women’s homeless shelter.
Winsome Earle-Sears’ announcement to run for governor comes at a pivotal time for Virginia, as she seeks to bring a new vision for the state’s future. Her platform is likely to emphasize her experience as a small business owner, her commitment to conservative principles, and her desire to uplift all Virginians, particularly those from underserved communities. In her public statements, Sears has emphasized her commitment to listening to the needs of Virginia’s residents, highlighting her grassroots approach to governance.
The campaign will also bring to the forefront Earle-Sears’ dedication to family values and her personal faith, which have been central themes in her political career. Married with children and grandchildren, she often speaks about the importance of family and faith in guiding her decisions. As she embarks on her gubernatorial campaign, Earle-Sears is positioning herself as a leader who understands the challenges faced by everyday Virginians and who is prepared to address them with practical solutions and a commitment to public service.
Earle-Sears’ bid for governor will not only test her political mettle but also Virginia’s readiness for another historic change in leadership. As she steps into this new chapter, her supporters and detractors alike are watching closely to see how her campaign unfolds and what it will mean for the future of the Commonwealth.
