SerpApi.Org
Former Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA) is making her return to the Virginia public policy scene following her 2025 gubernatorial election loss with a statewide tour campaigning against constitutional amendments related to abortion and gay marriage.
Earle-Sears, who fell to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) by over a 15-point margin in the gubernatorial election, has been open about her Christian faith and anti-abortion stances throughout both the 2025 campaign and her career in state politics. She also had a public spat with Spanberger over their differing stances on gay marriage during a gubernatorial debate, as Earle-Sears said it was "not discrimination" to believe gay couples should not be allowed to marry.
This year, Spanberger approved several constitutional amendments drafted by the state legislature for placement on the 2026 ballot for voter approval. Those amendments include one that enshrines a right to "reproductive freedom" throughout the state, "including the ability to make and carry out decisions relating to one's own prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care." The other repeals language in the Virginia constitution that only validates a marriage between a man and a woman.
In her first public move since stepping back from the political limelight, Earle-Sears is taking to the road to campaign against these two amendments, encouraging voters to vote "no" on both ballot measures, according to ABC8 Richmond.
"We believe these amendments raise serious concerns and could fundamentally alter important protections and principles that Virginians hold dear," Earle-Sears said in a statement shared with the outlet. "That is why our efforts are focused not only on informing voters, but also encouraging them to carefully consider these proposals and vote NO on both amendments."
Spanberger's win over Earle-Sears in 2025 led to sweeping Democratic victories down the ballot, including in state legislature races and the closely watched state attorney general race between embattled Democrat Jay Jones and Jason Miyares. The many down-the-ballot Democratic wins were a large blow to the legacy of former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), as the Democratic-controlled legislature has worked to reverse many of his conservative policies.
YOUNGKIN SAYS HE HAS ‘MORE TO GIVE’ AFTER LEAVING VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S MANSION
Since the curtain closed on the Youngkin administration, this is Earle-Sears's first major public move. Youngkin himself announced last week that he would be rejoining the private sector, becoming chairman of the venture capital company Red Cell Partners.
Miyares, the former attorney general under Youngkin, announced in May that he would be joining former Vice President Mike Pence's policy group, Advancing American Freedom, for his next political move.
