VIRGINIA – Jamaican-born Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor, was notably ignored by former President Donald Trump during a speech celebrating the Navy’s 250th anniversary on Sunday.
Despite her past loyalty and active campaigning, Trump did not mention Earle-Sears, even as he praised several Virginia Republicans with military service, including Representatives John McGuire, Rob Wittman, and Jen Kiggans, according to CNN. Earle-Sears, a Marine veteran herself, attended the event but received no acknowledgment from the former president.
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Earle-Sears made history as the first Black woman elected statewide in Virginia, but she now faces an uphill battle against Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who currently leads by double digits in most polls. Some within the GOP have raised concerns about the strength of her campaign as the election draws closer.
Adding to the tension, Trump recently endorsed another Virginia Republican, Attorney General Jason Miyares, while criticizing Spanberger on social media — but once again omitted any mention of Earle-Sears.
Once a strong Trump ally, Earle-Sears chaired the “Black Americans to Reelect Trump” group in 2020 and campaigned nationwide on his behalf. Their relationship soured after she publicly stated in 2022 that Trump “shouldn’t run again.” Although they briefly met earlier this year, no endorsement followed.
Spanberger’s campaign has sought to tie Earle-Sears to Trump’s policies, blaming both for job losses and federal spending cuts affecting Virginia’s large government workforce. Meanwhile, Earle-Sears has focused her campaign on social issues, particularly transgender policies in schools, arguing that Spanberger has avoided taking a clear stance.
A Washington Post–Schar School poll shows Spanberger leading 55 percent to 43 percent, fueled by strong support from independent voters. Despite the lack of Trump’s backing, Earle-Sears continues to court conservative and MAGA-aligned voters, emphasizing her record as a veteran and her commitment to “Virginia-first” leadership.
