River City, VA – Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has officially entered the race for the Republican nomination for governor in 2025. As the first Republican to declare candidacy for the upcoming election, Earle-Sears is setting her sights on leading the state while advocating for conservative principles she believes will benefit Virginians.
Earle-Sears, who made history in 2021 as the first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia, reflected on her decision to pursue the governorship during a recent interview. Although she never originally planned to become lieutenant governor, she now feels the time is right to step into the gubernatorial race. “After you’ve been out of politics and you’re on the sidelines, you realize you can either complain or you can get in the arena and fight,” she said, acknowledging the challenges Virginians faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic, Earle-Sears explained, played a significant role in her decision to return to politics. She cited the closure of schools, the economic impact on businesses, and the fear that government policies instilled in citizens as driving factors behind her desire to act. “Voters wanted common sense to come back,” she said, emphasizing that this was the motivation behind her decision to run for governor.
Endorsed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, Earle-Sears has positioned herself as a staunch advocate for economic growth, tax relief, and law enforcement support. “We’re talking about billions of dollars that we returned to Virginians, so that you can spend your money or do whatever it is you’d like to do with it,” she remarked, referring to the financial success under Youngkin’s administration. Earle-Sears has emphasized that she plans to continue these policies to ensure Virginia’s economy continues to flourish.
Her platform also includes a commitment to creating job opportunities, spurring economic development, and improving the morale of law enforcement officers across the state. Earle-Sears, who has consistently supported tax cuts during her time as lieutenant governor, aims to deliver additional tax relief to Virginians, aligning with her view that a flourishing economy is key to the state’s success.
Earle-Sears’ candidacy comes at a time when the Republican Party in Virginia is looking for leadership to succeed Youngkin, who is unable to run for reelection due to Virginia’s one-term limit for governors. While Earle-Sears is the clear frontrunner in the Republican field, the race could heat up if other prominent figures, such as Attorney General Jason Miyares, decide to enter the contest.
When asked about potential competition from Miyares, Earle-Sears emphasized that there was no behind-the-scenes negotiation or arrangement between the two. “It’s about what is best for Virginia,” she said, stressing that the race is about the future of the state and its residents. She also commended Miyares’ performance as attorney general, describing him as doing “a fine job” and acknowledging his contributions to the administration.
As she gears up for the campaign ahead, Earle-Sears remains focused on her duties as lieutenant governor, which includes presiding over the Virginia Senate. “That’s what I’m really focused on now, getting the rules back in place and putting forward legislation that we think will be helpful to Virginians,” she stated. After the legislative session concludes in the spring, Earle-Sears plans to fully shift her attention to her gubernatorial campaign.
If successful in her bid for governor, Earle-Sears would make history again, becoming the first woman and the first Black woman to serve as Virginia’s governor. Her candidacy marks a pivotal moment in Virginia’s political landscape as she seeks to carry forward the policies of the Youngkin administration while adding her unique perspective and priorities.
The 2025 race is expected to be closely watched as Earle-Sears faces off against Democratic frontrunner Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who has already emerged as the likely nominee for her party. The two women have starkly different positions on issues such as abortion, with Earle-Sears taking a firm pro-life stance, while Spanberger has expressed a commitment to protecting women’s reproductive rights. The contrast in their views sets the stage for a contentious and high-stakes campaign as Virginia voters prepare to choose their next governor.
