Virginia"s Winsome Earle-Sears aims for governor position

Winsome Earle-Sears, who made history as the first Black woman to hold statewide office in Virginia, has officially announced her candidacy for governor in the upcoming 2025 election. The Virginia Department of Elections has accepted her application, marking her as the first Republican to enter the race for the party's nomination. This decision comes as current Governor Glenn Youngkin is unable to seek reelection due to Virginia's law prohibiting consecutive terms for governors. Earle-Sears previously served as lieutenant governor and was part of a Republican sweep in 2021, alongside Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares. Her political career began in 2001 when she became the first Black Republican woman elected to the House of Delegates, defeating a long-serving Democrat in a predominantly blue district. Although she served only one term, her political journey has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. In addition to her political roles, Earle-Sears has a diverse background, including military service as a Marine veteran and experience in community service, such as leading a men's prison ministry and directing a women's homeless shelter. She has also been involved in business, running a plumbing and electrical supply company, and served as the national chair of an organization focused on reelecting former President Donald Trump. Currently, U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is the only Democrat seeking her party's nomination for governor, setting the stage for a competitive election cycle in Virginia as Earle-Sears aims to build on her historic political legacy.