Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears announced her candidacy for the 2025 gubernatorial race, aiming to become the state's first female and Black governor. Earle-Sears, who has a history of breaking barriers, including being the first Black Republican woman elected to the Virginia General Assembly, filed her paperwork with the Virginia Department of Elections and made her announcement at Chick’s Oyster Bar in Virginia Beach. This sets up a potential historic race against Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is also vying to be Virginia's first female governor. Earle-Sears emphasized her intent to continue the work started under the Youngkin administration and highlighted her campaign's focus on conservative values and prosperity for Virginia. Attorney General Jason Miyares is rumored to be another potential Republican contender, adding to the competitive landscape leading up to the 2025 elections.