RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has filed paperwork to run for governor in 2025.
The Department of State Elections confirms Earle-Sears filed paperwork on Wednesday.
She’s expected to officially announce her candidacy at a Virginia Beach rally on Thursday evening.
So far, she’s the only Republican who announced that she’s running.
“I could have never believed growing up that I could be asking Virginians for their faith and confidence in me to serve them as governor of our great Commonwealth,” said Earle-Sears. “Yes, this is an opportunity to make history, but our campaign is about making life better for every Virginian right here, right now.”
There’s been speculation that Attorney General Jason Miyares is also seeking the Republican nomination.
However, Miyares says he’s focused on this year’s election.
If Earle-Sears wins the nomination, she’ll likely face U.S. Rep. Abigal Spanberger.
Spanberger is the only candidate to have officially announced on the Democratic side after Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney dropped out.
Earle-Sears is the first woman to serve as lieutenant governor and the first Black woman to hold statewide office.
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