Winsome Earle-Sears, Virginia’s first female lieutenant governor and a former U.S. Marine, is setting her sights on another historic milestone: becoming the first woman to serve as the state’s governor.
If successful, she would also secure a rare consecutive Republican gubernatorial victory in the Commonwealth.
Earle-Sears, a Jamaican immigrant and former State House delegate, made history in 2021 when she was elected as Virginia’s first female lieutenant governor. Now, as she seeks the GOP nomination for the state’s highest office, she continues to embrace conservative policies, including those championed by former President Donald Trump, such as stricter immigration enforcement.
Breaking Barriers and Defying Expectations
Throughout her political career, Earle-Sears has built a reputation for defying expectations. She was the first Republican—Black or white—to represent a majority-minority district in Virginia since 1865. She believes that her success challenges traditional narratives about race, gender, and politics.
“I became the first Republican, Black or white, to represent a majority-minority district since 1865,” Earle-Sears told AP. “Once people start seeing more individuals like themselves in positions of leadership, I won’t be considered an anomaly anymore.”
Born in Jamaica, Earle-Sears moved to the U.S. as a child. Her father arrived in America just 17 days before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. While she acknowledges the historical struggles of Black Americans, she insists that focusing solely on the past can hinder future progress.
“It’s not 1963, and we cannot live in the past,” she stated. “For the sake of our children, we have to move on and look forward.”
Facing a Tough Political Landscape
If she secures the GOP nomination, Earle-Sears may face former Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in November. Spanberger, a moderate with a track record of flipping Republican districts, could present a formidable challenge.
“Yes, it is a historic race—we can’t deny that,” Spanberger acknowledged. “But we’re not running to make history; we’re running to be the best governor Virginia can have.”
A Republican has not won back-to-back gubernatorial elections in Virginia since the 1990s. Despite Trump’s track record of electoral defeats in the state, Earle-Sears remains confident in her ability to energize the GOP base and appeal to a broader electorate.
“The president was elected fully explaining what he was going to do. He didn’t hide anything from anyone,” she said, signaling her alignment with Trump’s policies while positioning herself as a leader with independent appeal.
A Campaign Poised to Make History
With her background as a Marine veteran, a former delegate, and now lieutenant governor, Earle-Sears brings a unique resume to the race.
Her campaign is likely to emphasize conservative economic policies, education reforms, and law-and-order messaging—key pillars that helped propel Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to victory in 2021.
As Virginia heads into another closely watched election cycle, all eyes will be on Earle-Sears as she seeks to break yet another barrier in the state’s political history.
