Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears helped make history this week when she was named the Republican gubernatorial nominee, ensuring that no matter who wins in November, Virginia's next governor will be a woman. But that win is also drawing increased scrutiny to Earle-Sears, an ultraconservative Marine veteran, and her touting of endorsements from a slew of clergy who have espoused anti-LGBTQ+ views.
The state’s first Black and female lieutenant governor has listed on her campaign website, as well as boosted on social media, the endorsements of at least four Virginia clergymen who have made anti-LGBTQ+ remarks or whose religious institutions promote anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs. Earle-Sears herself has also come under fire for anti-LGBTQ+ comments carried out in the name of religious freedom and has had to apologize to a state lawmaker for misgendering her. With public opinion polls showing that the majority of Virginians support LGBTQ+ equality and freedoms, Earle-Sears' anti-LGBTQ+ stance raises questions about her viability in a general election campaign and how she would govern if she were to win.
