Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has announced her bid to succeed term-limited Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2025, vowing to build on the economic revitalization achieved under Republican leadership and fend off potential Democratic challenges.
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has officially declared her candidacy for the 2025 gubernatorial election, setting the stage for a competitive race that could shape the future of the Commonwealth. With her announcement on Fox News's "Fox & Friends," Earle-Sears becomes the first Republican to launch a bid for the governor's mansion.
Earle-Sears, a former state legislator and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, cited Governor Youngkin's strong record as a key motivator for her decision to run. She expressed her belief that his policies have laid a solid foundation for the state's economic growth and that she is well-positioned to continue this momentum.
Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Launches Campaign for Governor
"We have had corporate headquarters that have moved here — even from overseas," Earle-Sears said on Fox News. "We have grown businesses here. We have been an incubator for business."
She emphasized the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment to generate revenue for essential public services such as education, transportation, and infrastructure.
Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Launches Campaign for Governor
Earle-Sears' candidacy has drawn praise from Governor Youngkin's camp, which described her as a "steadfast partner" over the past four years. Youngkin spokesman Justin Discigil affirmed the governor's commitment to supporting Republican candidates in the upcoming election.
If successful in the Republican primary, Earle-Sears could potentially face Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., who has emerged as a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Spanberger's potential candidacy would set up a high-profile contest between two strong female candidates.
Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Launches Campaign for Governor
Earle-Sears, who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica as a youth, would make history if elected as Virginia's first Black woman governor. She previously served as a state legislator representing a majority-Democratic district, demonstrating her ability to bridge political divides.
Her Marine Corps service and background in business and government have equipped her with a multifaceted perspective on leadership and governance. Earle-Sears is confident that her experiences will enable her to effectively address the challenges facing the state.
Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Launches Campaign for Governor
"I know the voters have given you a mandate to run, to move forward, then you've just got to press forward," she said. "You have hostile legislators who want to stop you [in] every way because they're thinking you're going to get a win — but the win is for the people."
The 2025 gubernatorial election in Virginia is expected to be fiercely contested, with both Republicans and Democrats vying for control of the governor's office. Earle-Sears' announcement marks the official start of the campaign season and sets the stage for an intriguing political battle in the years ahead.
