Virginia Republicans Fret As Gubernatorial Nominee Winsome Earle-Sears Falls 17 Points Behind Democrat Abigail Spanberger

Virginia Republicans are preparing for the worst this election season as their gubernatorial nominee, Winsome Earle-Sears, is 17 points behind Democratic candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, in a new poll.

“With the demographics of Richmond, in an off year with the Republican White House, it’s going to be tough,” said Virginia Republican strategist Jimmy Keady.

It’s historically tougher for the party in office to succeed during midterm elections.

Republicans expect Virginia’s election this November to reveal the direction the results will take for the 2026 midterms. Their gubernatorial nominee, Earle-Sears, is already making some Republicans pessimistic.

Earle-Sears has been notable for its slow-paced fundraising, controversial comments made regarding abortion and LGBTQ rights and comments about DEI and slavery.

“Slaves did not die in the fields so that we could call ourselves victims now in 2025,” her campaign wrote in a fundraising email. “Democrats think minorities can’t succeed without DEI.”

As someone who could become Virginia’s first woman and second black governor, Earle-Sears is seeking to take over from another Republican, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is ineligible for reelection next term due to a Virginia law that bars Governors from running for consecutive reelection.