UPDATE: President Donald Trump remains noncommittal on endorsing Virginia gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, raising eyebrows among supporters. Despite praising her during recent comments on Air Force One, Trump has yet to issue a formal endorsement as the election approaches in November 2023.
During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Earle-Sears discussed critical issues such as the economy and healthcare, emphasizing her commitment to conservative values. Trump has expressed support for other candidates, including Attorney General Jason Miyares, who he fully endorses for reelection. However, Earle-Sears and lieutenant governor nominee John Reid have not received similar backing from the former president, leading to speculation about their status in the race.
As Trump continues to maintain a distance from Virginia politics, he stated, “I haven’t been too much involved in Virginia — I love the state; I did very well in the state.” His reluctance to endorse Earle-Sears contrasts sharply with his enthusiastic support for other Republican candidates, such as New Jersey’s Jack Ciattarelli, whom he called a “winner” with a “complete and total endorsement.”
Trump’s comments come at a pivotal time, with the Virginia race heating up and Democratic candidate Jay Jones invoking Trump nearly 50 times during a recent debate. This strategy indicates how Trump’s influence lingers in Virginia, despite his absence on the ballot.
Why This Matters: With the election just weeks away, Earle-Sears is looking to solidify her support base. Trump’s comments, while complimentary, have not translated into a decisive endorsement, leaving many to question the strength of her campaign. “He wants to see that young woman win,” Trump remarked, seemingly referencing Earle-Sears, yet he has not provided the critical endorsement she needs to rally support.
Earle-Sears expressed gratitude for Trump’s “support and direct encouragement to voters in Virginia to vote Republican.” She aims to ensure that Virginia remains an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Her campaign focuses on public safety and energy costs, key issues for Virginia voters.
As the election date approaches, the dynamics between Trump and Virginia Republicans could play a crucial role. Glenn Youngkin, the outgoing governor, successfully navigated his campaign by keeping Trump at arm’s length, appealing to moderate voters in a closely divided state. His strategy could serve as a blueprint for Earle-Sears as she seeks to capture the attention of undecided voters.
Next Steps: As Trump continues to withhold a formal endorsement, all eyes will be on Virginia’s political landscape. Will Earle-Sears gain the traction she needs to compete against her Democratic opponent? The coming weeks will be critical as candidates ramp up their campaigns and voters prepare for the polls.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.