Latest news with #HB174
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Earle-Sears' record on social issues complicates bid to follow Youngkin's path in Virginia governor's race
Winsome Earle-Sears, the all-but-certain Republican nominee in the Virginia governor's race this fall, has built the early stages of her campaign around being Gov. Glenn Youngkin's partner. Earle-Sears, the state's lieutenant governor, has largely attempted to frame her candidacy as an extension of the current administration, an attempt to replicate the term-limited governor's path to victory in the blue-leaning state four years ago. 'Together, we've fought for parents, backed the blue, and delivered real results for Virginians. Now, it's time to keep that momentum going,' Earle-Sears, referring to Youngkin, wrote in a Facebook post earlier this year. But there has been notable daylight between Earle-Sears and Youngkin on several fronts, particularly on social issues, complicating her strategy to follow in the footsteps of her more popular governing partner. 'She is definitely trying to have it all ways,' said a Republican operative in Virginia, who requested anonymity to speak candidly about Earle-Sears. Most prominently, Earle-Sears has made clear she is not fully aligned with Youngkin on a pair of hot-button social issues: same-sex marriage and abortion rights. Last year, Youngkin signed legislation protecting marriage equality in Virginia. But Earle-Sears left a handwritten note on the bill stating she was 'morally opposed' to the legislation. Following the bill's passage through both chambers of the Legislature, Earle-Sears wrote on the physical copy, 'As the Lt. Governor, I recognize and respect my constitutional obligation to adhere to the procedures laid out in the Constitution of Virginia. However, I remain morally opposed to the contents of HB174 as passed by the General Assembly.' Earle-Sears doubled down on separating herself from Youngkin's position on the issue in a recent interview, telling a local news outlet in Richmond last month that she was 'fine' with civil unions but refused to say she supported same-sex marriage. She's also out of step with Youngkin's positioning on abortion rights. In 2023, Youngkin proposed a 15-week ban on abortion in the state, which included exceptions for rape, incest and the health of the mother, in an ultimately unsuccessful effort to help the GOP carve out a less severe 'consensus' bill restricting reproductive rights. For her part, Earle-Sears has supported a ban at six weeks, or when fetal cardiac activity is detected — a point at which most women don't even know they are pregnant — and with fewer exceptions. While she got behind Youngkin's 15-week ban in 2023, she left another handwritten note on a measure passed by the Legislature earlier this year to send to voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine the state's abortion protections. 'I am morally opposed to this bill; no protection for the child,' she wrote. She has also in the past called abortion 'genocide' and vowed to 'do everything in my power' to end abortion in Virginia. Youngkin managed to shift the focus elsewhere during his 2021 campaign — and has largely had to continue doing so as governor, as he's dealt with a Democratic-controlled Legislature. But the fact that he staked out middle ground on social issues has only further highlighted Earle-Sears' more conservative positioning. In addition, Earle-Sears has faced criticism for her approach to the plight of federal workers in Virginia who have been affected by President Donald Trump's moves to shrink the size of government via the Department of Government Efficiency. She praised those efforts earlier this year, saying she was 'glad' Trump was 'getting to the bottom' of alleged waste and fraud in the federal government. While she has often pointed to the Youngkin administration's investments in the private sector of the Virginia economy as a reason workers need not worry, she has also said she would help Trump 'get the job done' on the issue. And she downplayed the federal layoffs at an event in March, saying, 'The media is making it out to be a huge, huge thing — and I don't understand why.' Youngkin, on the other hand, has said he wants to 'cushion' his state's economy from the effects of DOGE and earlier this year was frequently touting a website his administration created that effectively serves as a job board — while also praising DOGE. Earle-Sears' positions stand in contrast to the relative political middle ground Youngkin has famously staked out in Virginia — efforts that have contributed to a record of strong approval ratings for the Republican governor in a state that Kamala Harris carried last year by about 6 percentage points. Last month, though, a Roanoke College poll found a 44% favorability rating for Youngkin among registered voters, versus 50% who view him unfavorably — his worst showing in that particular poll, and a possible indication that the broader GOP brand could be facing trouble in Virginia. But Earle-Sears had lower marks, with only 32% viewing her favorably and 48% saying they had an unfavorable view. Another 20% of respondents said they had no opinion of her. And the poll showed Democrat Abigail Spanberger leading Earle-Sears in the governor's race by 17 points. Political operatives in the state from both parties told NBC News these notable departures by Earle-Sears — particularly on social issues — risk turning off large chunks of voters in the political center that she'd need to hold together Youngkin's winning coalition from four years ago. 'What's her core promise to the voter? It should be pretty simple: 'Things are going good. Let's keep it going' — but she gets distracted,' the Republican operative said. Democratic Party of Virginia spokesperson Maggie Amjad said these issues, and others, show that Earle-Sears 'is a far-right candidate with a long record that's out of step with Virginians.' Representatives for both Earle-Sears and Youngkin downplayed any differences in their political views and emphasized that Youngkin's strengths as governor still extended to Earle-Sears and other Republicans on the ballot in Virginia this fall. 'The media's obsession with creating division where there isn't any won't change the fact that the Youngkin-Sears Administration is one of the most popular in Virginia's history — that's no accident,' Earle-Sears campaign press secretary Peyton Vogel said in an email to NBC News. 'They share a commitment to common-sense leadership, individual liberty, and getting government out of the way. Winsome has been a vital part of this administration, and will continue to bring ideas to the table that better the lives of Virginians across the Commonwealth as Governor just as she has during her time as Lieutenant Governor.' Justin Discigil, a spokesperson for Youngkin's Spirit of Virginia PAC, said in an email that 'Youngkin has delivered for Virginians with record tax relief, record job growth, and record investments in education, law enforcement, behavioral health, and other shared priorities,' and that Earle-Sears 'and all Virginia Republicans have a record to run on with proven results.' Earle-Sears' positioning on social issues and DOGE could further complicate what had already emerged as an uphill climb for Republicans to keep control of the governorship. Earle-Sears has already faced a torrent of criticism for running an undisciplined campaign. And Spanberger, her opponent, is widely seen as a strong candidate who has won several competitive House races. The GOP also faces historical headwinds: In 11 of the last 12 Virginia gubernatorial races, voters elected the candidate of the party out of power in the White House. Republicans view Youngkin's 2021 victory as the product of a unique candidate who was able to benefit from the anger and fatigue over the Covid-19 pandemic and remote learning in public schools. Strategists said that will be difficult to replicate this year. 'He just simply makes the main thing the main thing, and he's extremely disciplined about it. Everything fits into 'make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family.' He puts everything into the common sense bucket, the kitchen-table issue bucket. That's where he lives. That's why his approval ratings are always pretty high,' said Virginia-based Republican strategist Zack Roday, who previously worked with Youngkin through his Spirit of Virginia PAC but is not working with the Earle-Sears campaign. Roday, along with other Virginia GOP strategists, suggested that Earle-Sears hadn't yet displayed the same political strengths. Meanwhile, Democrats signaled they were preparing to seize on another difference they said would be meaningful to Virginia voters: how each candidate handled Trump during their campaign. Throughout the 2021 campaign, Youngkin notably kept his distance from Trump, who was at a political low point following his loss to Joe Biden and the fallout from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. While Youngkin has since cultivated a much more public and close relationship with Trump in the years since, operatives from both major parties credited that distance during that campaign as another reason he won. Earle-Sears has so far voiced full-throated support for Trump. Earle-Sears 'is only focused on appeasing Trump and pushing an extreme agenda that's wrong for Virginia,' said Amjad. This article was originally published on
NBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Earle-Sears' record on social issues complicates bid to follow Youngkin's path in Virginia governor's race
Winsome Earle-Sears, the all-but-certain Republican nominee in the Virginia governor's race this fall, has built the early stages of her campaign around being Gov. Glenn Youngkin's partner. Earle-Sears, the state's lieutenant governor, has largely attempted to frame her candidacy as an extension of the current administration, an attempt to replicate the term-limited governor's path to victory in the blue-leaning state four years ago. 'Together, we've fought for parents, backed the blue, and delivered real results for Virginians. Now, it's time to keep that momentum going,' Earle-Sears, referring to Youngkin, wrote in a Facebook post earlier this year. But there has been notable daylight between Earle-Sears and Youngkin on several fronts, particularly on social issues, complicating her strategy to follow in the footsteps of her more popular governing partner. 'She is definitely trying to have it all ways,' said a Republican operative in Virginia, who requested anonymity to speak candidly about Earle-Sears. Most prominently, Earle-Sears has made clear she is not fully aligned with Youngkin on a pair of hot-button social issues: same-sex marriage and abortion rights. Last year, Youngkin signed legislation protecting marriage equality in Virginia. But Earle-Sears left a handwritten note on the bill stating she was 'morally opposed' to the legislation. Following the bill's passage through both chambers of the Legislature, Earle-Sears wrote on the physical copy, 'As the Lt. Governor, I recognize and respect my constitutional obligation to adhere to the procedures laid out in the Constitution of Virginia. However, I remain morally opposed to the contents of HB174 as passed by the General Assembly.' Earle-Sears doubled down on separating herself from Youngkin's position on the issue in a recent interview, telling a local news outlet in Richmond last month that she was 'fine' with civil unions but refused to say she supported same-sex marriage. She's also out of step with Youngkin's positioning on abortion rights. In 2023, Youngkin proposed a 15-week ban on abortion in the state, which included exceptions for rape, incest and the health of the mother, in an ultimately unsuccessful effort to help the GOP carve out a less severe 'consensus' bill restricting reproductive rights. For her part, Earle-Sears has supported a ban at six weeks, or when fetal cardiac activity is detected — a point at which most women don't even know they are pregnant — and with fewer exceptions. While she got behind Youngkin's 15-week ban in 2023, she left another handwritten note on a measure passed by the Legislature earlier this year to send to voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine the state's abortion protections. 'I am morally opposed to this bill; no protection for the child,' she wrote. She has also in the past called abortion 'genocide' and vowed to 'do everything in my power' to end abortion in Virginia. Youngkin managed to shift the focus elsewhere during his 2021 campaign — and has largely had to continue doing so as governor, as he's dealt with a Democratic-controlled Legislature. But the fact that he staked out middle ground on social issues has only further highlighted Earle-Sears' more conservative positioning. In addition, Earle-Sears has faced criticism for her approach to the plight of federal workers in Virginia who have been affected by President Donald Trump's moves to shrink the size of government via the Department of Government Efficiency. She praised those efforts earlier this year, saying she was 'glad' Trump was 'getting to the bottom' of alleged waste and fraud in the federal government. While she has often pointed to the Youngkin administration's investments in the private sector of the Virginia economy as a reason workers need not worry, she has also said she would help Trump ' get the job done ' on the issue. And she downplayed the federal layoffs at an event in March, saying, 'The media is making it out to be a huge, huge thing — and I don't understand why.' Youngkin, on the other hand, has said he wants to 'cushion' his state's economy from the effects of DOGE and earlier this year was frequently touting a website his administration created that effectively serves as a job board — while also praising DOGE. Earle-Sears' positions stand in contrast to the relative political middle ground Youngkin has famously staked out in Virginia — efforts that have contributed to a record of strong approval ratings for the Republican governor in a state that Kamala Harris carried last year by about 6 percentage points. Last month, though, a Roanoke College poll found a 44% favorability rating for Youngkin among registered voters, versus 50% who view him unfavorably — his worst showing in that particular poll, and a possible indication that the broader GOP brand could be facing trouble in Virginia. But Earle-Sears had lower marks, with only 32% viewing her favorably and 48% saying they had an unfavorable view. Another 20% of respondents said they had no opinion of her. And the poll showed Democrat Abigail Spanberger leading Earle-Sears in the governor's race by 17 points. Political operatives in the state from both parties told NBC News these notable departures by Earle-Sears — particularly on social issues — risk turning off large chunks of voters in the political center that she'd need to hold together Youngkin's winning coalition from four years ago. 'What's her core promise to the voter? It should be pretty simple: 'Things are going good. Let's keep it going' — but she gets distracted,' the Republican operative said. Democratic Party of Virginia spokesperson Maggie Amjad said these issues, and others, show that Earle-Sears 'is a far-right candidate with a long record that's out of step with Virginians.' Representatives for both Earle-Sears and Youngkin downplayed any differences in their political views and emphasized that Youngkin's strengths as governor still extended to Earle-Sears and other Republicans on the ballot in Virginia this fall. 'The media's obsession with creating division where there isn't any won't change the fact that the Youngkin-Sears Administration is one of the most popular in Virginia's history — that's no accident,' Earle-Sears campaign press secretary Peyton Vogel said in an email to NBC News. 'They share a commitment to common-sense leadership, individual liberty, and getting government out of the way. Winsome has been a vital part of this administration, and will continue to bring ideas to the table that better the lives of Virginians across the Commonwealth as Governor just as she has during her time as Lieutenant Governor.' Justin Discigil, a spokesperson for Youngkin's Spirit of Virginia PAC, said in an email that 'Youngkin has delivered for Virginians with record tax relief, record job growth, and record investments in education, law enforcement, behavioral health, and other shared priorities,' and that Earle-Sears 'and all Virginia Republicans have a record to run on with proven results.' A challenging political landscape Earle-Sears' positioning on social issues and DOGE could further complicate what had already emerged as an uphill climb for Republicans to keep control of the governorship. Earle-Sears has already faced a torrent of criticism for running an undisciplined campaign. And Spanberger, her opponent, is widely seen as a strong candidate who has won several competitive House races. The GOP also faces historical headwinds: In 11 of the last 12 Virginia gubernatorial races, voters elected the candidate of the party out of power in the White House. Republicans view Youngkin's 2021 victory as the product of a unique candidate who was able to benefit from the anger and fatigue over the Covid-19 pandemic and remote learning in public schools. Strategists said that will be difficult to replicate this year. 'He just simply makes the main thing the main thing, and he's extremely disciplined about it. Everything fits into 'make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family.' He puts everything into the common sense bucket, the kitchen-table issue bucket. That's where he lives. That's why his approval ratings are always pretty high,' said Virginia-based Republican strategist Zack Roday, who previously worked with Youngkin through his Spirit of Virginia PAC but is not working with the Earle-Sears campaign. Roday, along with other Virginia GOP strategists, suggested that Earle-Sears hadn't yet displayed the same political strengths. Meanwhile, Democrats signaled they were preparing to seize on another difference they said would be meaningful to Virginia voters: how each candidate handled Trump during their campaign. Throughout the 2021 campaign, Youngkin notably kept his distance from Trump, who was at a political low point following his loss to Joe Biden and the fallout from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. While Youngkin has since cultivated a much more public and close relationship with Trump in the years since, operatives from both major parties credited that distance during that campaign as another reason he won. Earle-Sears has so far voiced full-throated support for Trump. Earle-Sears 'is only focused on appeasing Trump and pushing an extreme agenda that's wrong for Virginia,' said Amjad.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Virginia Republican candidate for governor addresses grads at extremely anti-LGBTQ+ schools
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, now the Republican nominee for governor, continues to cement her far-right platform with appearances at two schools that openly denounce LGBTQ+ people and reproductive freedom. Her commencement speech at Regent University and an upcoming one at Atlantic Shores Christian School, a private pre-k through 12 institution, are the latest signals that she is not moderating her views for a general election campaign — she's leaning in. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. Regent's official doctrine affirms that marriage exists only between one man and one woman and opposes abortion in nearly all cases, asserting that life begins at conception. Its facilities may not be used for anything deemed inconsistent with its interpretation of biblical teachings, including affirming same-sex relationships or transgender identities. Regents holds that abortion is 'tantamount to murder.' The school's Christian Community and Mission Policy, approved by its board of trustees in 2023, defines the school as a Christian ministry where every employee is a commissioned minister and every activity, academic or otherwise, is considered an act of worship. The school's policies prohibit 'homosexual conduct,' which they categorize alongside 'pornography, premarital sex, adultery,' and 'lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct,' and require all student leaders and employees to adhere to its biblical code of sexual ethics strictly. Earlier this month, Earle-Sears spoke at Regent University, where she earned an M.A. in 2003. The late televangelist and longtime anti-LGBTQ+ firebrand Pat Robertson founded the school in 1977. Related: Winsome Earle-Sears: The anti-LGBTQ+ ultraconservative Republican trying to replace Virginia's governor Robertson, who launched the school in 1977, didn't just preach it — he politicized it. He infamously blamed 'abortionists, feminists, gays and lesbians' for the 9/11 attacks, saying America had invited God's wrath. These beliefs remain embedded in the culture and code of the university where Earle-Sears chose to deliver a celebratory address. Earle-Sears is scheduled to stand at the podium again on June 6 — this time at Atlantic Shores Christian School in Chesapeake, another institution whose statement of faith declares that homosexuality and bisexuality are 'sinful and prohibited.' These are not isolated incidents. They are consistent with Earle-Sears' long record of pushing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policy. Last year, she wrote a personal note of moral opposition on HB174, a bill passed by the General Assembly to prohibit marriage discrimination, Washington, D.C., NBC affiliate WRC reports. The bill protects couples from being denied a license based on sex, gender, or race. Earle-Sears, required by her state constitutional role to sign it, instead added a handwritten message declaring her personal opposition. Related: Virginia lieutenant governor offers awkward 'apology' after misgendering trans lawmaker Danica Roem Her campaign has also made national headlines for an incendiary fundraising email comparing DEI programs to slavery. 'Slaves did not die in the fields so that we could call ourselves victims now,' the email read. The campaign did not disavow the language. Video from 2023 shows her delivering the same message aloud, Politico reports. At the same time, the state GOP is embroiled in a separate identity crisis. John Reid, Virginia's first out gay Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, has accused Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's political operation of attempting to force him off the ticket. Reid alleges Youngkin's PAC offered to suppress opposition research in exchange for his withdrawal — claims Youngkin has not addressed. Earle-Sears canceled joint events with Reid. Last year, Earle-Sears apologized after she misgendered Sen. Danica Roem, the first out transgender state senator in Virginia. Virginia currently has some of the strongest LGBTQ+ protections in the South.
