Republicans nominate Sears for LG and Democrats respond; Jay Jones for AG receives a congressional endorsement; plus more from VA politics
The latest in Virginia politics
Sears wins Republican nomination to run for lieutenant governor
Winsome Sears won the Republican Party of Virginia's (RPV) lieutenant governor nomination after the party concluded the counting of convention votes Tuesday night. Sears joins gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin and attorney general nominee Jason Miyares on the Republican ticket.
In 2001, Sears became the first (and still only) Black Republican woman elected to the House of Delegates. She served one term in the House.
“Today, as the first Republican since 1865 to represent a Majority Black District, I am honored to accept the nomination to be Lieutenant Governor. I am honored and overwhelmed by your votes of confidence,” Sears said in a statement after the convention concluded. “From the time my family arrived in America from Jamaica, we have realized and appreciated the opportunity that the US provided us: however, we never could have imagined that would include the possibility of being the second-in-command in our great Commonwealth.”
The Republican ticket this November will have Glenn Youngkin for governor, Sears for lieutenant governor, and Jason Miyares for attorney general.
Democratic lieutenant governor respond to the nomination of Winsome Sears
Hala Ayala
“It’s no surprise that Republican insiders nominated a right-wing extremist like Winsome Sears. The Republican Party of Virginia is out of touch with the needs of regular Virginians, and they continue to elevate conspiracy theorists and Trump extremists like Winsome Sears. She has repeatedly advocated to strip Virginians of their voting rights, defund our public school system, and gut affordable healthcare for more than half-million Virginians, including stripping protections for pre-existing conditions. Sears will roll back the progress we have made in our Commonwealth, especially when it comes to voting rights, gun safety, and reproductive freedom. Virginia families simply cannot afford to have an anti-democracy, pro-Trump Lieutenant Governor. Virginians need a Lieutenant Governor who can build bridges instead of barriers to progress. They need a Lieutenant Governor who will protect and expand reproductive rights, not attack them. They need a Lieutenant Governor who will make it easier to vote, not harder. Virginians need a Lieutenant Governor who understands their struggles and who can build on the progress we’ve made to make real change in people's lives. I am that candidate, and as Lieutenant Governor, I will be a leader for all Virginians, no matter their political party.”
Sean Perryman
“We can’t underestimate how vital it is for Democrats to win this race for Lt. Governor,” said Perryman. “Sears is a far-right conservative who has been endorsed by self-described “Trump-in-heels” Amanda Chase, a Republican State Senator who was censured by a bipartisan majority in the Virginia Senate due to her comments on the events of January 6th. Sears is running on a platform that glorifies weapons of war, denies women the right to choose, underfunds our public schools, and makes it harder for people of color to cast a vote in Virginia. Sears has promised that she can deliver Virginia for the GOP by winning over Black voters who traditionally vote for Democrats by wide margins. Democrats should make me their nominee because I will take the case for a progressive Virginia straight to Black voters. My campaign has been endorsed by over thirty Black elected officials at the local level and dozens more Black activists and advocates. We’ve also been endorsed by Black faith leaders in NoVA, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. These are folks who are deeply rooted in their communities and can build the turnout operation we need to win in November.”
“Our campaign also has the exciting message and grassroots energy it will take to beat the GOP. We’ve advanced popular progressive policies such as ensuring paid leave for all, building infrastructure and universal broadband, expanding voting rights, providing universal PreK and affordable childcare, promoting green energy and green jobs, and bringing fairness to our criminal justice system. We’ve built a network of grassroots volunteers that stretches from Bristol to Chesapeake to Waynesboro to Leesburg. Democratic voters have given Virginia the most productive two years of legislation in the history of our Commonwealth. We’ve abolished the death penalty, legalized marijuana, expanded access to healthcare, and so much more. We need to keep up the pace and expand our progressive majority so we can continue to get big things done. The only way to do that is to nominate candidates who can meet this moment. I have the background, the expertise, and the coalition-building experience to beat Winsome Sears and get Democrats elected up and down the ballot.”
The Democratic Party of Virginia also issued a statement through their spokesperson Grant Fox:
"While Amanda Chase might not be the GOP's nominee for governor, she got her way in the lieutenant governor's race. Winsome Sears's nomination means Chase's toxic far-right extremism will be on the ballot in November. Sears is an ardent backer of Donald Trump, and has earned support from those who wanted to overturn the 2020 election. With Donald Trump endorsing Glenn Youngkin and Winsome Sears on the ballot, Republicans are showing Virginians just how dangerous and out of touch they are."
Donald Trump endorsed Glenn Youngkin for governor
The former President issued the endorsement of the Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate the morning after he earned the nomination. Sources close to the Youngkin campaign say that he was surprised by the endorsement.
“Congratulations to Glenn Youngkin for winning the Republican nomination for Governor of Virginia,” Trump said in a statement Tuesday. “Glenn is pro-Business, pro-Second Amendment, pro-Veterans, pro-America, he knows how to make Virginia’s economy rip-roaring, and he has my Complete and Total Endorsement! Glenn is running against Bill Clinton’s longtime enabler, Terry McAuliffe. Terry McAuliffe was the Clintons’ bagman in more ways than one, from the cover-ups to the get-rich-quick schemes, and his deals with Communist China look suspicious. He was responsible for many of the problems Virginia currently has. Virginia doesn’t need the Clintons or the Communist Chinese running the state, so say no to Terry McAuliffe, and yes to Patriot Glenn Youngkin!
Kirk Cox to Virginians: My Heart is Full of Gratitude
Former House Speaker Kirk Cox sent out the following message after he failed to receive the Republican nomination for governor.
Dear Virginians,
I'll start with the obvious: we had hoped and prayed for a different outcome in this contest. Unfortunately, it clearly was not meant to be.
But, as I said on Friday night before the voting started, my heart is full of gratitude and I remain deeply grateful for all of the ways in which the Lord has blessed me.
That starts with my family. My wife, Julie, is the most caring and loving companion I could ever ask for. I was blessed to campaign and work alongside two of my four amazing boys. And we proudly welcomed our granddaughter, Lilah Grace, to our family this year.
I will forever appreciate everyone who worked hard, donated money, volunteered their time, and cast their ballots for me—this year, and in the 16 elections prior. It has been an honor to get to know so many people, and to call many of you friends.
You guys know I’m a baseball guy, so I love a good sports analogy.... One of the things a good baseball coach always wants to see is that his players go down swinging.
I think we did that in this race. I am especially grateful to have been surrounded by a campaign team that worked tirelessly each and every day. They were creative, they had fun, and they carried themselves so well. I am proud of that.
To my supporters across Virginia, thank you. Your votes mean so much to me, and even though we did not accomplish what we set out to achieve, I will always be thankful. As someone who loves our representative democracy and the principles on which it's built, that you would entrust me with something as sacred as a vote on your ballot just means the world to me. I’m especially grateful for Chesterfield and Colonial Heights, which I have been proud to represent for years.
While I, of course, wished I would have the opportunity to lead our ticket this fall, I still believe what's at stake is more important than any one person.
I decided to run for Governor because I could not sit on the sidelines and watch the Virginia we've built slip away. I truly believe the timeless principles upon which our representative democracy was built are under attack, and that one-party Democratic control in Richmond is hurting our Commonwealth.
It's time for Republicans to speak clearly about what we believe in—to take our positive, empowering, uplifting vision and ideas to every single person in the Commonwealth.
Our party has nominated a good and honorable man to do that—Glenn Youngkin. He's a tested business leader, a man of deep faith, and I know he wants exactly what we want: a safe and prosperous Commonwealth where people can raise their families. Even though I will not be on the ballot this fall for the first time in 32 years, Glenn has my full and unwavering support, I hope you will give him yours as well.
Again, thank you so much. As I said just Friday, I will pray tonight again for God's wisdom and strength. His faithfulness has never failed us, and it won't fail us now.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your friendship.
Kirk
Mark Herring receives new endorsements as he seeks a third term as attorney general
“Mark Herring is one of my strongest allies in the General Assembly and a hero in the Latino and New American communities for his work on behalf of DREAMer students and efforts to fight the ugly ‘zero tolerance’ policies of the Trump Administration,” said Delegate Alfonso Lopez. “He worked with me to advocate for an Office of Civil Rights back in 2019 when Republicans still held majorities in the House of Delegates, and continues to be a leader in the fight for equal justice. We need him in the Office of the Attorney General.”
“Attorney General Herring continues to meet the moment, and recognizes what our communities need to thrive” said Delegate Delores McQuinn. “I’m confident that as Attorney General, he will continue to proactively fight for the crucial protections that keep us safe. I proudly endorse Mark Herring for a third term.”
“Simply put, Mark Herring is the most progressive Attorney General in Virginia’s history,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan. “He’s broken ground on women’s rights, marriage equality, criminal justice reform, and many other issues of vital importance to Virginians. I’m confident that with four more years, Mark will help Virginia achieve even more unprecedented progress.”
Congressman Bobby Scott Endorses Delegate Jay Jones for Virginia Attorney General
“I’m so proud to be endorsing Jay Jones for Attorney General of Virginia,” said Congressman Bobby Scott. “Throughout his career, Jay has shown an unwavering commitment to the fight for justice reform, and I know he will continue that work to build a more equitable Commonwealth. When Jay is Attorney General, Virginians can count on him to be a proactive leader who works aggressively to bring accountability to policing, reform our judicial and sentencing system, and reorient the office to fight for justice for every Virginian. With his leadership, I’m confident we can build on the progress we have made and rise to this moment in our country’s history to be a national leader in building a justice system that works for all of our communities.”
Virginia NAACP Recognizes Former Delegate Winsome Sears’ Nomination to Major Party Ticket
Robert N. Barnette, Jr, president of the Virginia NAACP, released the following statement on the nomination of former Virginia Delegate Winsome Sears as a candidate for lieutenant governor on a major party ticket in Virginia:
“We recognize today’s historic selection of Winsome Sears. The Virginia NAACP does not support a political party. However, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment.
While representation matters, we know that policies are what count. The Virginia NAACP will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and accountability during this election season.”
In Virginia, a Fight Over the Suburbs in the Governor’s Race - NYT
by Trip Gabriel
Republican voters’ choice for Virginia governor, a deep-pocketed first-time candidate who plans to run as a business-friendly political outsider, will offer a major test in the post-Trump era of the party’s ability to win back suburban voters who have fled over the past four years.
Glenn Youngkin, who won the Republican nomination on Monday night, had walked a line between his party’s Trump-centric base and appeals to business interests in a crowded field, defeating two rivals who more aggressively courted supporters of former President Donald J. Trump.
Andria McClellan for lieutenant governor released a TV ad
Youngkin says Democrats drove state into ditch; does not mention Trump's endorsement - Richmond Times Dispatch
by Mel Leonor
In an aggressive speech that marked the beginning of his general election campaign for governor, GOP nominee Glenn Youngkin said in Richmond on Tuesday that Democrats have driven Virginia “into the ditch” and “so far left it’s fallen off the map.”
Youngkin said that as governor, he would move to reduce individual and business tax rates, protect a state law that allows workers to opt out of paying dues to labor unions, and fight the teaching of systemic racism in the state’s public schools.
Statement of House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert on Results of the 2021 Republican Convention
"Congratulations to our statewide Republican ticket for 2021: Glenn Youngkin, the next Governor of Virginia, former Del. Winsome Sears, the next Lt. Governor of Virginia, and Del. Jason Miyares, the next Attorney General of Virginia! The voters have given us three outstanding standard bearers for our shared common-sense, conservative ideals.
"The House Republican Caucus is excited to be a part of this ticket. We're running in every corner of the Commonwealth, in more seats than we've contested in a half century. I'm more confident than ever that voters will return a Republican majority to the House of Delegates in November. We have the team. We have the tools. We have the ticket. Now, united as one Republican party, it's time to go win!"