RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC/WAVY) – Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is the first Republican to file paperwork to run for Virginia governor in 2025.
Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears’ statement of organization – paperwork needed to launch a campaign – was accepted by the Virginia Department of Elections Sept. 4.
Earle-Sears is no stranger to Hampton Roads.
A former state delegate who represented Norfolk, Earle-Sears presides over the Virginia Senate in her role as lieutenant governor. She’s the first woman of color, and only the second woman, to hold statewide office in the Commonwealth. It’s a role she said has prepared her for this next step.
“We’ve brought safety and security to our families and to our businesses we treat criminals like criminals,” Earle-Sears said at Thursday’s rally.
She was expected to jump into the governor’s race and recently acknowledged she was exploring a run. Earle-Sears, the first Black Republican woman to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly, emigrated from Jamaica when she was a child and served in the Marines before running for office.
Last November, U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) officially launched her campaign for the Democratic nomination in next year’s gubernatorial race. Spanberger is the only Democrat currently vying for the nomination after Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney dropped his bid to run for lieutenant governor. Other possible Republican candidates could be current attorney general Jason Miyares.
Earle-Sears used Thursday’s rally to talk about issues she will continue to focus on, such as taxes, school safety and more support for veterans, all issues important to her supporters.
“The economy, and education and progression for our students once they finish high school,” said supporter Audrey Curtis.
“Abortion, different things like that,” said another supporter, Randy Mulchi.
As for Earle Sears, she says she expects a long road ahead, and more stops across Hampton Roads in the future.
The governor’s election will take place on November 4th, 2025, leaving plenty of time for more politicians to join the race.
