Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears declares her candidacy for Virginia governor, aiming to build on Glenn Youngkin’s economic successes.
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has officially announced her bid to succeed Governor Glenn Youngkin in the 2025 election. Earle-Sears, a Republican, plans to build upon the economic achievements of Youngkin’s administration if she wins the primary and ultimately the governorship.
Earle-Sears made her announcement on September 4 during an interview with Fox News, emphasizing her commitment to continuing the economic progress made under Youngkin.
“We’ve got to keep building on that,” she said. “We have had corporate headquarters that have moved here — even from overseas. We have grown businesses here. We have been an incubator for business.”
She underscored her focus on business as crucial for funding infrastructure, schools, and other public services that improve quality of life.
In her announcement, Earle-Sears framed her campaign as a continuation of Youngkin’s policies, which she believes have set a strong foundation for further economic development in Virginia. She highlighted that Youngkin’s administration has made significant strides in revitalizing the state’s economy, and she aims to advance this momentum.
Earle-Sears’ bid is expected to set up a potential showdown with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat who might win her party’s primary. The race is anticipated to be competitive, with both candidates presenting contrasting visions for the state’s future. Earle-Sears expressed her determination to win, citing concerns about the opposition’s strategy. “We really have to win, because the other side is wanting to do all kinds of machinations and so many ‘gotcha’ stuff that’s not going to help propel Virginia forward,” she said.
Her campaign is also expected to draw significant attention due to her background and achievements. Earle-Sears emigrated from Jamaica as a child and has a history of public service, including a tenure in the U.S. Marine Corps and as a former state legislator from Virginia Beach. Her initial victory in a majority-Democratic district was seen as a major upset, showcasing her ability to appeal across political lines.
The Youngkin administration has expressed support for Earle-Sears’ candidacy. Justin Discigil, a spokesperson for Governor Youngkin, praised Earle-Sears as a “steadfast partner” in governance. He highlighted the upcoming 2025 election as a critical moment for Virginia, emphasizing the choice between continuing successful policies or reverting to “failed extremism” from the left-progressive agenda.
Earle-Sears’ announcement comes amid a backdrop of heightened political activity in Virginia. The 2025 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a significant event, with both major parties preparing for a high-stakes contest. Earle-Sears’ campaign will focus on maintaining economic growth and addressing infrastructure needs, while also navigating potential challenges from her opponents.
Reflecting on her political journey, Earle-Sears acknowledged the obstacles she faced during her initial campaign. “I only had three months to run and no money,” she recalled. Despite these challenges, she believes that having the right ideas and voter support is crucial for overcoming political hurdles. “When you have the right ideas, and when you know the voters have given you a mandate to run, to move forward, then you’ve just got to press forward,” she said.
As Earle-Sears prepares for the upcoming campaign, her bid for governor will likely be closely watched by both supporters and critics. Her commitment to economic development and her track record of public service will be key factors in her campaign strategy. With a potential Democratic challenger in Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the race promises to be a significant event in Virginia’s political landscape.
