Winsome Earle-Sears facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Winsome Earle-Sears
Official portrait, 2022
42nd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Incumbent
Assumed office January 15, 2022
Governor	Glenn Youngkin
Preceded by	Justin Fairfax
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 90th district
In office January 13, 2002 – January 14, 2004
Preceded by	Billy Robinson
Succeeded by	Algie Howell
Personal details
Born	Winsome Earle (1964-03-11) March 11, 1964 (age 61) Kingston, Jamaica
Political party	Democratic (before 1988) Republican (1988–present)
Spouse	Terence Sears
Children	3
Residences	Winchester, Virginia, U.S.
Education	Tidewater Community College (AA) Old Dominion University (BA) Regent University (MA)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1983–1986
Rank	Corporal

Winsome Earle-Sears (born March 11, 1964) is an American politician and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She currently serves as the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. She is a member of the Republican Party.

Earle-Sears made history as the first female Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. She is also the first woman of color and the first person born in Jamaica to be elected to a statewide office in Virginia.

Early Life and Education

Winsome Sears was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 11, 1964. She moved to the United States when she was six years old. She grew up in the Bronx, a part of New York City.

Sears has earned several college degrees. She received an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from Tidewater Community College. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English from Old Dominion University. Later, she completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in organizational leadership from Regent University.

Career Before Politics

Before she entered politics, Winsome Sears served in the United States Marines. She was an electrician from 1983 to 1986. After her military service, she directed a Salvation Army shelter that helped people without homes. She also opened her own home appliance business in Virginia.

Political Journey

Winsome Sears began her political career in Virginia. She has served in different roles and run for various offices.

Serving in the House of Delegates

In November 2001, Sears won a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. This is a part of Virginia's state government that makes laws. She became the first Jamaican-born female Republican and the first naturalized citizen to serve as a delegate. She represented the 90th district from 2002 to 2004.

After her time as a delegate, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs appointed her to an advisory committee. This committee helps women who have served in the military.

Running for Congress and Senate

In 2004, Sears ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives but was not elected. She also ran for the U.S. Senate in 2018 as a write-in candidate, meaning people had to write her name on the ballot. She did not win this election either.

Serving on the Board of Education

In 2011, Governor Bob McDonnell appointed Winsome Sears to the Virginia Board of Education. This board helps set rules and standards for schools in Virginia.

Supporting Presidential Campaigns

During the 2020 election, Sears supported Donald Trump for president. She was a national leader for a group called "Black Americans to Re-elect the President."

Becoming Lieutenant Governor

2021 Election

On May 11, 2021, Winsome Sears won the Republican nomination to become Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. On November 2, 2021, she won the election. She was sworn into office on January 15, 2022.

Her election was a big moment for Virginia. She became the first female Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. She is also the first Black woman to hold this statewide office.

Running for Governor in 2025

On September 5, 2024, Winsome Sears announced she would run for governor of Virginia in 2025. If she wins, she would be the first female governor of the state. She would also be the first Black woman elected governor anywhere in the United States.

Key Beliefs

Winsome Sears has shared her views on several important topics.

Education

Sears supports having more choices for schools. She has suggested opening more charter schools, which are public schools that operate independently. She also supports "lab schools" and "virtual schools" where students learn online.

She has talked about critical race theory (CRT) in schools. She believes that some ideas from CRT are being taught in Virginia schools. She has called CRT "racist" but also says that both the good and bad parts of American history should be taught.

After schools were affected by COVID-19, Sears suggested ideas like year-round school or longer school days. This would help students catch up on learning time.

Marriage and Relationships

Sears believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. She has supported a change to the U.S. Constitution to define marriage this way. However, she also supports civil unions, which give legal rights to couples without calling their relationship a marriage.

Gun Rights

Sears is a strong supporter of gun rights. During her 2021 campaign, she used a photo of herself with a rifle. This picture was on her campaign materials and social media. It caused some debate but also helped her gain support from many Republicans.

Personal Life

Winsome Sears is married to Terence Sears. They have three daughters. She and her family live in Winchester, Virginia. Sears is a Christian. Before she entered politics, she wrote a Christian self-help book.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Winsome Sears para niños

• List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States