Meet The Candidate: Winsome Sears For VA Lieutenant Governor

VIRGINIA — Virginia residents will be going to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2 to vote for statewide offices in Virginia, including governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

As part of our 2021 election coverage, Patch asked each of the candidates to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

This questionnaire was completed by Winsome Sears who is running for lieutenant governor of Virginia. Sears served in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 90th district from 2002 to 2004. She also is a military veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps.

In-person early voting began in Virginia on Sept. 17. The last day to request a ballot be mailed to you is Friday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. On Nov. 2, election day, the polls across Virginia will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Learn more about Winsome Sears and why she is running for lieutenant governor of Virginia:

Candidate

Winsome Sears

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Position sought (mayor, city council, school board, etc.)

Lt. Governor of Virginia

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married with three children between the ages 33 and 35.

Education

Regent University, MA Organizational Leadership; Old Dominion University, BA English/Journalism, Minor: Economics; Tidewater Community College, AA Liberal Arts

Occupation

Business Owner: Journeyman Electrician/Diesel Mechanic.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Delegate, 90th District; Vice President: Virginia State Board of Education; Presidential Appointment: Women Veterans Advisory Committee to the Secretary of Veterans Administration, Presidential Appointment to the African American Committee of the US Census Bureau

Campaign website

https://winsomesears.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

Being a long-time resident of Virginia, a former public servant, and a business owner, I decided to run for Lt. Governor out of my deep concern for rising costs for the middle class and burdensome tax increases on businesses. These factors have stifled economic growth and prosperity in our state. All of Virginia, not just the Northern corridor, deserves to be economically competitive. Unfortunately, Virginia has lost Fortune 500 companies and college-graduate and military retiree talent to other states under this current administration. This should not be, especially when the southern portion of our state has the nation's best and most natural deepwater port. Other parts of our state have second-to-none agriculture, technology, engineering and manufacturing. All of Virginia deserves to thrive like Northern Virginia. I believe strongly in the power of the American Dream, and I want to ensure all Virginians have fair and equal access to it by creating an environment for better-paying jobs and cutting costs for families.

I also decided to run for this office out of a sincere desire to bring Virginians together, breaking the deep partisan and racial divides that have increased in our state. My public and community service experience points to my success in being effective in uniting communities and lifting up those impacted by unfortunate circumstances. However, we can do more in criminal justice reform, community policing, and community development. I have the track record and experience in healing communities where differences and disparities exist.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We have to focus a great deal of our efforts and resources on the area of education in Virginia. Our children deserve better, and we can give them the support they need to recover from the losses caused by the pandemic and shortcoming of Virginia's educational system before the pandemic.

Our students have fallen behind because of extended school closings and lower school standards. We will empower parents and restore excellence by keeping our schools OPEN and safe during a regular weekly schedule. We will continue to keep standards high and support our students with their resources to achieve them.

Teachers need to be paid a higher wage, and the facilities and resources required to teach our children will be upgraded and supplied. Innovation is necessary, and I would advocate for a significant investment in ALL of our educational institutions.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are many differences between my opponent and me. Being previously elected to state office in 2002, I have experience working to advance the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am a veteran who served my country in the United States Marine Corps, and I am a business owner. Since my time in public office, I built a business as a trained electrician, and I understand the importance of helping small businesses thrive. In addition, I have poured myself into community work roles of leading a men's prison ministry and serving as a director of a women's homeless shelter for The Salvation Army. I came to this country as an immigrant and had struggles, but the hope of the American Dream and my faith in God, kept me believing that if I applied myself, I would one day realize the hope of my ancestors.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

If elected, my top three legislative priorities are creating good-paying jobs, cutting costs for families, and opening and strengthening schools.

I will champion good-paying jobs for every Virginian. I will support policies that keep taxes low, reduce regulations, and promote small businesses. The cost of living is rising in Virginia, and that's hurting families, especially our most struggling and aspiring ones. So I will work to eliminate Virginia's grocery tax, suspend the recent gas tax hike for 12 months, provide tax rebates, end runaway property taxes, and add cuts to income taxes. For schools, I will champion investments in public schools, empower parents with choices, and raise standards in education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was elected to a district that generally would not elect a Republican. I know how to be a servant of the people and not a servant of politics or a political party. I put issues first and worked across the aisle to solve challenges to move Virginia forward.

My role as Delegate for Virginia's 90th District taught me how to be an effective listener and learn to challenge the status quo boldly. When I become Lt. Governor of Virginia, in the same way, I plan to put the needs of the people first and politics last.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

In many ways, my life experiences have uniquely prepared me to serve the full fabric of our state as I uniquely relate and identify with so many Virginians.

I have also held public office, and I understand the challenges associated with breaking through partisan gridlock and issues that have divided our state. Yet, I am not afraid to work through tough challenges under challenging circumstances, and I know how to bring people together. Virginia has the highest concentration of military in our nation, and like so many men and women who have worn the uniform, I served in the Marine Corps. I know now to care for our veterans and military servicemembers.

As a mother, community servant, former Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education, and business owner, I also understand the economic challenges that many Virginians are experiencing. I also understand the current needs of our children in education and the pressures felt by everyday Virginians who are doing their best to provide and prepare their families for a hopeful future.

Contact information for your local voter registration office can be found at elections.virginia.gov/VRO.

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