Winsome Sears, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, stands poised to etch her name in the annals of American history. A victory in the upcoming gubernatorial election would mark a double milestone: the first Black woman governor in the nation and the first woman governor of Virginia. While acknowledging the historical significance, Sears emphasizes her primary motivation is not personal accolade, but rather a deep-seated commitment to public service and a desire to leave Virginia better than she found it, ensuring equal opportunities for all its residents. Her journey, from immigrating to the United States from Jamaica at the age of six to serving in the Marines and eventually holding the second-highest office in the Commonwealth, underscores the enduring promise of opportunity in America. Sears’s father, arriving just days before Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, epitomized the pursuit of a better life, even amidst the harsh realities of racial segregation. Sears’s current position, second-in-command in the former capital of the Confederacy, serves as a powerful symbol of progress and a testament to the transformative power of perseverance.
Sears enjoys the strong endorsement of incumbent Governor Glenn Youngkin, a popular Republican figure who himself made history by breaking a 12-year Democratic hold on the governorship. Youngkin, barred from seeking re-election due to Virginia’s unique term limits, has thrown his full weight behind Sears’s candidacy, recognizing her potential and pledging to actively campaign for her. Sears, in turn, highlights her alignment with Youngkin’s successful business-minded approach to governance, emphasizing her commitment to continuing and expanding upon the initiatives already underway. She views herself as the natural successor to carry forward the Youngkin legacy, citing her intimate involvement in the current administration’s efforts to streamline regulations and enhance educational opportunities.
Sears’s relationship with former President Trump has evolved over time. Initially supportive of Trump in both 2016 and 2020, Sears expressed reservations following the 2022 midterm elections, citing concerns about his rhetoric and impact on Republican candidates. This led her to declare neutrality in the 2024 GOP presidential primary. However, a pivotal moment shifted her stance: Trump’s attempted assassination during a campaign rally. Hearing Trump’s subsequent speech, in which he spoke of miracles and God’s grace, resonated deeply with Sears’s Christian faith and prompted her renewed support. Despite this, Sears continues to face criticism from some within the Republican ranks, including prominent Trump supporters who question her loyalty and predict her candidacy will harm the party’s chances in the upcoming election.
The Democratic field for the gubernatorial race is taking shape, with three-term Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, emerging as the frontrunner. While a Sears-Spanberger showdown is anticipated, the potential entry of longtime Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott adds an element of uncertainty. Sears, unfazed by the evolving Democratic landscape, expresses confidence in her policies and readiness to face any challenger. She is perceived as more socially conservative than Youngkin, a distinction that has drawn both praise and criticism. Youngkin, however, staunchly defends Sears against accusations of being too far to the right for Virginia voters, emphasizing her common-sense conservatism and their close partnership in governing.
The Democratic Governors Association (DGA), seeking to capitalize on internal Republican divisions, highlights the criticism from prominent Trump supporters and attempts to portray Sears as beholden to the far right. They point to her stances on issues like abortion and in-vitro fertilization as evidence of her extremism. Sears, however, dismisses these attacks, attributing them to Democratic desperation and reiterating her commitment to serving the people of Virginia. She emphasizes her Christian faith as the guiding principle of her life and public service, suggesting it transcends political considerations.
The upcoming gubernatorial election in Virginia promises to be a closely watched race with significant implications. Winsome Sears, seeking to make history while carrying the mantle of the Youngkin administration, faces a formidable Democratic opponent and navigates a complex political landscape. Her journey from immigrant to potential governor embodies the American dream, while her policy positions and relationship with former President Trump continue to be subjects of intense debate. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the future of Virginia and could serve as a bellwether for national politics.
