Winsome Earle-Sears

Winsome Earle-Sears
Official portrait, 2022
42nd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 15, 2022
GovernorGlenn Youngkin
Preceded byJustin Fairfax
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 90th district
In office
January 13, 2002 – January 14, 2004
Preceded byBilly Robinson
Succeeded byAlgie Howell
Personal details
Born
Winsome Earle

(1964-03-11) March 11, 1964
Kingston, Jamaica
Political partyRepublican (1988–present)
Other political
affiliations		Democratic (before 1988)[1]
SpouseTerence Sears
Children3
Education
Signature
WebsiteCampaign website
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1983–1986
RankCorporal

Winsome Earle-Sears (born March 11, 1964) is an American politician, businesswoman, and Marine Corps veteran serving as the 42nd lieutenant governor of Virginia since 2022. A member of the Republican Party, she is Virginia's first female lieutenant governor and the first woman of color to hold statewide office in Virginia.[2][3]

Born in Jamaica, Earle-Sears immigrated to the United States in 1970. She served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2004. She also served on the Virginia Board of Education, and ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia's 3rd congressional district in 2004 and for U.S. Senate in 2018. In 2021, Earle-Sears was elected lieutenant governor of Virginia, narrowly defeating Democratic nominee Hala Ayala.

Earle-Sears is the Republican nominee in the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election, becoming the second African American female major-party gubernatorial nominee, after Stacey Abrams. She will face former U.S. representative and Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger. If elected, Earle-Sears would be the first Black woman in American history to serve as governor of a U.S. state, and the first female governor of Virginia.

Early life, family and education

Sears was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 11, 1964. She immigrated to the United States at the age of six.[4] She grew up in the Bronx, New York City.[5]

Sears earned an A.A. from Tidewater Community College, a B.A. in English with a minor in economics from Old Dominion University and an M.A. in organizational leadership from Regent University.[6]

Career before politics

Sears served as an electrician in the United States Marines from 1983 to 1986.[7] Before running for public office, she directed a Salvation Army homeless shelter.[8]

Political career

In November 2001, Sears upset 20-year Democratic incumbent Billy Robinson while running for the 90th district seat in Virginia's House of Delegates,[9][10] becoming the first Jamaican-American female Republican,[11] first female veteran, and first naturalized citizen to serve in the body.[12] In 2004, during the George W. Bush presidency, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi appointed her to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.[13] Sears also received a presidential appointment to the United States Census Bureau.[14][15]

In 2004, Sears unsuccessfully challenged Democrat Bobby Scott for Virginia's 3rd congressional district seat.[16] She received 31% of the vote.[7]

Sears opened a plumbing, electrical and home appliance business in Virginia after her 2004 election loss.[17][18]

Governor Bob McDonnell appointed Sears to the Virginia Board of Education in 2011.[19]

In September 2018, Sears entered the race for U.S. Senate as a write-in candidate after Corey Stewart won the Republican nomination, citing his past alliances with white nationalists and other racial controversies.[20] She received less than 1% of the vote.[21]

During the 2020 United States presidential election campaign, Sears supported Donald Trump and was national chairwoman of the PAC "Black Americans to Re-elect the President."[22][23]

Following the 2022 midterms, where Trump-endorsed Republicans lost in critical battleground states, Sears criticized Trump, calling him a liability for the party and saying she would not support him in the 2024 presidential election.[24] She later declared her support for Trump after he became the presumptive nominee.[25]

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia

2021 lieutenant gubernatorial election

Main article: 2021 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election

On May 11, 2021, Sears won the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor of Virginia on the fifth ballot, defeating former state delegate Tim Hugo, 54% to 46%.[8] On November 2, she won the race along with gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin and attorney general nominee Jason Miyares.[26] She was inaugurated as the 42nd lieutenant governor of Virginia on January 15, 2022. She is Virginia's first female lieutenant governor as well as the first Jamaican-American female statewide officeholder in the Commonwealth.[2][3]

During the election campaign, she declined to say whether she had been vaccinated against COVID-19,[27] but encouraged others to get vaccinated.[28]

2025 gubernatorial election

Main article: 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election

On September 5, 2024, Earle-Sears announced her candidacy for governor of Virginia in 2025. If she wins, she will be the state's first female governor, and the first Black woman to be elected governor anywhere in the United States.[29]

Political positions

Abortion

During her campaign for lieutenant governor, Sears initially said she would support legislation similar to the Texas Heartbeat Act, which would make an abortion illegal as soon as a fetal heartbeat was detected (as early as six weeks).[17] Sears called abortion "genocide" on the campaign trail, but she supported an exception in case the mother's life is at risk.[30][31] Later in her 2021 campaign, WRIC-TV wrote that Sears "appeared to backtrack" on her initial comments about the Texas Heartbeat Act.[32] Sears said she did not examine the Texas law, and declined to say when she thought abortion should be made illegal.[32] After winning the lieutenant governor race in November 2021, she said that abortion should be allowed in cases of rape and incest, or to prevent harm to a pregnant woman.[33] When Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in June 2022, Sears announced her support for a 15-week abortion ban.[34]

Cannabis

In 2021, Sears said she supported medical marijuana but opposed the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.[35][36]

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Sears has argued that "Slaves did not die in the fields so that we could call ourselves victims now in 2025, Democrats think minorities can’t succeed without DEI" and highlighted Virginia as "the former capital of the Confederacy."[37]

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Sears has expressed her support for the Trump Administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative to cut federal spending and reduce the size of the federal workforce.[38][39]

Tariffs

Sears has supported Trump tariffs and believes they will strengthen the American economy.[37]

Education

Sears has called for the opening of more charter schools, lab schools, and virtual schools in Virginia.[40][41]

Sears has argued that critical race theory (CRT) was "definitely being taught in some form or fashion" in Virginia schools and accused critics of using "semantics" to deny it.[42] Sears called CRT "racist" and said that the different facets of American history should be taught.[3][43]

After COVID-19 interrupted schooling in the state, Sears floated the possibility of year-round school or longer school days to make up lost educational time.[44]

LGBT rights

Sears supports civil unions but opposes same-sex marriage.[34][45][46][37]

Gun policy

Sears supports gun rights.[32] Her 2021 lieutenant gubernatorial campaign included a photo of Sears with a rifle that was used on campaign material and social media, which drew criticism from Democrats[47] but increased her prominence among Republicans, helping elevate her from political obscurity.[33][48]

Personal life

Sears is married to Terence Sears.[49] She has had three daughters. One of Sears's daughters died in a 2012 car crash, along with Sears's two granddaughters.[50] As of 2016, she and her family resided in Winchester.[51] She is a devout Christian,[52] and authored a Christian self-help book, Stop Being a Christian Wimp!, before entering politics.[53][33]

Electoral history

Date Election Candidate Party Votes %
Virginia House of Delegates, 90th district
November 6, 2001[9] General Winsome Sears Republican 6,696 53
William "Billy" Robinson Jr. (incumbent) Democratic 6,017 47
Write Ins 4 0
Republican defeated Democratic incumbent
Virginia 3rd congressional district
November 2, 2004[16] General Bobby Scott (incumbent) Democratic 159,373 69
Winsome Sears Republican 70,194 31
Write Ins 325 0
Democratic incumbent held seat
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
November 2, 2021[54] General Winsome Sears Republican 1,658,332 50.71
Hala Ayala Democratic 1,608,030 49.17
Write Ins 3,807 0.12
Republican won Democratic held seat

See also

References

  1. ^ "Will Winsome Earle-Sears become the first Black woman governor?". Politico. September 8, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Turner, Mikea (January 14, 2022). "Winsome Sears to make history as first woman - & Black woman - to be Virginia's Lt. Governor". WWBT. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Duster, Chandelis (November 3, 2021). "Winsome Sears will become Virginia lieutenant governor, CNN projects, becoming first female and woman of color in the office". CNN. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  4. ^ Graf, Heather (October 26, 2021). "Lieutenant governor race in Virginia: Meet Republican candidate Winsome Sears". WJLA.com. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  5. ^ McLeod, Sheri-Kae (May 24, 2021). "Jamaican-born Winsome Earle Sears Wins Republican Party Nod for Lieutenant Gov".
  6. ^ "Biography of Winsome Sears". VoteSmart.org. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Caine, Andrew (January 21, 2021). "Winsome Sears launches GOP bid for lieutenant governor". Richmond Times-Dispatch.
  8. ^ a b Olivo, Antonio; Vozzella, Laura (May 12, 2021). "Winsome Sears, former state delegate, wins GOP nomination for Virginia lieutenant governor". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  9. ^ a b "General Election – November 6, 2001". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on June 20, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  10. ^ "With victory, Sears broke down barriers". The Washington Times. November 23, 2001.
  11. ^ "Del. Sears visits Old Dominion class Tuesday". News at Old Dominion University. November 22, 2002. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  12. ^ Lewis, Bob (December 15, 2001). "Black GOP Woman Stuns Va. Politics". Norfolk, Va.: Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  13. ^ New Members Appointed to Committee on Women Veterans (press release), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (January 26, 2004).
  14. ^ TCC alumna Winsome Sears elected as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor (press release), Tidewater Community College (November 2, 2021).
  15. ^ Regent University Alumna Makes History as First Female Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (press release), Regent University (November 2, 2021).
  16. ^ a b "General Election – November 2, 2004". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  17. ^ a b Paviour, Ben (January 13, 2022). "Virginia's first Black woman lieutenant governor says we need to move on from slavery". NPR.org.
  18. ^ Business, Virginia (August 30, 2024). "Government | Politics 2024: WINSOME EARLE-SEARS". Virginia Business. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  19. ^ Antonio Olivo, Back in the Virginia political spotlight, Winsome Sears seeks to lift GOP in bid for lieutenant governor, Washington Post (October 15, 2021).
  20. ^ Wilson, Patrick (September 18, 2018). "Former GOP state delegate wants Republicans to write in her name for U.S. Senate instead of voting for Corey Stewart". Roanoke Times.
  21. ^ "Official 2018 November General Election Results, Virginia". Archived from the original on November 8, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  22. ^ Now called "Black Americans Making America First."
  23. ^ Robertson, Campbell (December 27, 2021). "'I Look Like the Strategy': Winsome Sears Wants Black Voters to Rethink the G.O.P." The New York Times. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  24. ^ Gans, Jared (November 10, 2022). "Virginia's GOP lt. Governor won't back Trump in 2024: 'I just couldn't'". The Hill.
  25. ^ Advance, Mark Hand The News & (August 6, 2024). "Lieutenant governor visits Nelson County with sights set on 2025". NewsAdvance.com. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  26. ^ Panetta, Grace; Seddiq, Oma (November 2, 2021). "Republican Winsome Sears defeats Hala Ayala in Virginia lieutenant governor's race". Business Insider. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  27. ^ Pellish, Aaron (November 21, 2021). "Virginia's incoming lieutenant governor questions Covid vaccines for those who've had the virus before". CNN. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  28. ^ Olivo, Antonio (October 7, 2021). "Republican candidate's vaccination status becomes a target in Virginia lieutenant governor's race". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 26, 2022. Citing a October 7, 2021 Twitter post from Sears.
  29. ^ Vozzella, Laura; Schneider, Gregory S. (September 5, 2024). "Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears announces her candidacy for governor". Washington Post. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  30. ^ Edelman, Adam (June 6, 2025). "Earle-Sears' record on social issues complicates bid to follow Youngkin's path in Virginia governor's race". NBC News. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  31. ^ Janney, Josh (January 22, 2021). "Stephenson resident seeking GOP nomination in lieutenant governor's race". The Winchester Star. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  32. ^ a b c DeFusco, Jackie (October 29, 2022). "Virginia's choice for lieutenant governor could impact marijuana, abortion, gun control". wric.com. WRIC-TV. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  33. ^ a b c Barakat, Matthew (November 13, 2021). "History-making Winsome Sears ready to work in Virginia". Associated Press. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  34. ^ a b DeFusco, Jackie (June 28, 2022). "Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears on future of abortion in Virginia". wric.com. WRIC-TV. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  35. ^ DeFusco, Jackie (October 29, 2021). "Virginia's choice for lieutenant governor could impact marijuana, abortion, gun control". WRIC. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  36. ^ Jarvis, Brandon (August 11, 2021). "The retail legalization of marijuana could be significantly impacted by November's elections in Virginia". virginiascope.com. VA Scope. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  37. ^ a b c "Virginia Republicans worry about their gubernatorial candidate who invoked slavery when criticizing DEI". POLITICO. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  38. ^ Diaz, Olivia (February 8, 2025). "Trump chops away at the government and the fallout is felt in the Virginia governor's race." Associated Press. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  39. ^ Bowman, Bridget; Edelman, Adam (May 27, 2025). "Federal layoffs shake Virginia ahead of 2025 governor's race." NBC News. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  40. ^ Minock, Nick (February 13, 2022). "Va. Lt. Gov. wants to expand charter schools; Sen. Lucas against using public school funds". WSET-TVA. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  41. ^ Earle-Sears, Winsome (February 5, 2022). "Winsome Earle-Sears column: Creating a better education for Virginia's next generation". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved February 17, 2022. We can do that with an Education Savings Account, by utilizing the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit, and by opening more charter schools, lab schools and virtual schools.
  42. ^ Nelson, Joshua Q. (January 17, 2022). "Winsome Sears rips critical race theory: 'Our children are not learning' in school". Fox News.
  43. ^ "If Critical Race Theory means that telling a child that once you emerge from the womb you are a racist and a colonizer and whatever else, that's not going to be good. That's going to create morale problems for everybody. ... If we're going to teach about African American history, why just keep it to one month? Let's teach it throughout. Let's talk about these things. You can't escape history. Let's talk about the good, the bad and the ugly." (Duster/CNN, 2021)
  44. ^ "Year-round school? Longer days in the classroom? How to make up the learning loss deficit". ABC 7 News. February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  45. ^ "Youngkin's comments raise questions on same-sex marriage future in Virginia". WAVY.com. July 13, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  46. ^ vascope (May 1, 2025). "Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears opposed anti-discrimination marriage bill in handwritten note". Virginia Scope. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  47. ^ Carey, Julie (May 14, 2021). "Va. GOP Nomination for Lt. Gov. Draws Controversy With Campaign Photo of Rifle". NBC Washington. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  48. ^ "Winsome Sears clinches the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor, rounding out the Republican ticket". Prince William Times. May 11, 2021. She may be most known for a campaign photo showing the former Marine posing with a military rifle.
  49. ^ Mirshahi, Dean (January 15, 2022). "Winsome Sears, the first woman of color to hold statewide office in Virginia, sworn in as lieutenant governor". wavy.com.
  50. ^ Clayton, Cindy (August 7, 2019). "Ex-local delegate loses three relatives in fatal wreck". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  51. ^ "Sterling Women of Winchester: Past Events". sterlingwomen.org. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  52. ^ Olivo, Antonio; Vozzella, Laura (January 22, 2022). "Virginia lieutenant governor Earle-Sears makes her mark in Richmond during tumultuous first week". Washington Post.
  53. ^ Robertson, Campbell (December 27, 2021). "'I Look Like the Strategy': Winsome Sears Wants Black Voters to Rethink the G.O.P." New York Times.
  54. ^ "General Election – November 2, 2021". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
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