Earle-Sears' record on social issues complicates bid to follow Youngkin's path in Virginia governor's race

Winsome Earle-Sears, the de facto Republican nominee in the Virginia governor’s race, has built the early stages of her campaign around being Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s partner.

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.