Winsome Sears

Winsome Sears is a Jamaican-American politician and businesswoman who served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 90th district from 2002 to 2004. A member of the Republican Party, she is notable for being the first female Black Republican, the first female veteran, and the first naturalized citizen to serve in the Virginia House. In addition to her legislative service, she has held various roles in education and public service, including a recent tenure as the lieutenant governor of Virginia.

Early life and career

Winsome Sears was born on March 11, 1964, in Kingston, Jamaica. At the age of six, she immigrated to the United States with her father, who had previously settled in the country. Sears spent her formative years in the Bronx, New York City, where she was exposed to a diverse cultural environment that would later influence her political career.

Sears pursued higher education, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Tidewater Community College. She continued her studies at Old Dominion University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in economics. Furthering her academic credentials, she completed a Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Regent University. This educational background provided her with a strong foundation for her future endeavors in both business and public service.

Before entering politics, Sears served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1986, where she worked as an electrician. Her military service included training at Camp Lejeune and a subsequent assignment at Camp Pendleton. During her time in the Marines, she achieved the rank of corporal and became a U.S. citizen. Following her military career, she directed a homeless shelter operated by the Salvation Army, which allowed her to engage with community issues and develop her leadership skills.

Legislative service

Sears's political career began in earnest in the early 2000s when she ran for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. In November 2001, she won the general election for the 90th district, defeating a long-serving Democratic incumbent, Billy Robinson. This victory was significant, as it marked her as the first female Black Republican, the first female veteran, and the first naturalized citizen to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates. Furthermore, she became the first Republican to represent a majority-Black House district in Virginia since 1865, highlighting her unique position within the state's political landscape.

During her time in the House of Delegates, Sears was involved in various legislative initiatives and served on committees that addressed issues relevant to her constituents. Her tenure lasted from 2002 to 2004, during which she focused on a range of topics, including education and veterans' affairs. After her time in the House, she sought to expand her political career by running for Virginia's 3rd congressional district in 2004, where she faced Democratic incumbent Bobby Scott. Although she did not win the election, receiving 31% of the vote, her candidacy further established her presence in Virginia politics.

In 2011, Sears was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to the Virginia Board of Education, where she served until 2015. During her tenure, she held the position of vice president from 2014 to 2015, contributing to discussions and decisions regarding educational policies in the state. After leaving the board, she continued to engage in public service and political activities, including a write-in campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2018, which did not yield a successful outcome.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her political career, Winsome Sears has focused on issues that resonate with her constituents and reflect her background. Her legislative priorities have included education reform, support for veterans, and community development. As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, she worked to address the needs of her district, which encompasses a diverse population with varying concerns.

Sears's experience as a veteran has informed her commitment to veterans' affairs, and she has been recognized for her advocacy on behalf of military personnel and their families. Her appointment to the United States Census Bureau's African American Committee and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans underscores her dedication to addressing the needs of underrepresented communities.

In addition to her legislative work, Sears has been involved in various political organizations and initiatives. During the 2020 United States presidential election campaign, she supported Donald Trump and served as the national chairwoman of a political action committee aimed at re-electing the President. However, her relationship with Trump has evolved over time, as she later expressed concerns about his impact on the Republican Party and indicated that she would not support his candidacy for the 2024 election. Eventually, she reversed her position and announced her support for him after he became the presumptive nominee.

Sears's political journey reflects her resilience and adaptability in navigating the complexities of Virginia's political landscape. Her unique background as an immigrant, veteran, and businesswoman has shaped her approach to governance and public service. As a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and a recent lieutenant governor, she remains a prominent figure in the state's political discourse, continuing to advocate for the issues she believes are vital to her constituents and the broader community.