Trump and Youngkin Rally for Virginia Republicans, Sears Yet to Get Official Endorsement

President Donald Trump and Governor Glenn Youngkin led a call for all Virginia Republican candidates on Thursday. However, Trump hasn’t officially endorsed Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears in her bid for governor.

Sears, aiming to succeed the term-limited Youngkin, has Richmond broadcaster John Reed as her running mate for lieutenant governor. The ticket also includes Attorney General Jason Miyares and support from the entire Republican caucus in the House, which is striving to win three seats to regain a majority.

Recent polls indicate that Miyares has the strongest chance of winning, currently outpacing former Democratic Rep. Jay Jones, who is facing some challenges due to past scandals. Meanwhile, Reed’s race appears very close, as he’s either tied or just behind state Senator Ghazala Hashmi.

On the other hand, Earl Sears maintains a few-point advantage over former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, although her campaign has acknowledged that the contest feels very tight.

Ramaswamy Supports Earl Sears, Plans Rally Next Week

Youngkin encouraged Virginians to back full Republican tickets, emphasizing that Earl Sears would carry on the “common sense, conservative leadership” that he has implemented. This message was highlighted during the event, according to someone familiar with the proceedings.

Both Youngkin and Trump drew a distinct line between Republican values and the “far-left policies” of prior governors.

Polling Insights Indicate a Competitive Gubernatorial Race

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Republican National Committee for comments regarding Trump’s appearance. A source mentioned that the event bore similarities to four years ago when Youngkin surpassed Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who was the statistical favorite at that time.

“The president held a telephonic meeting,” the source noted. “The day before the election, he won by 60,000 votes, which was pivotal.” Youngkin exceeded expectations in both traditionally red and blue areas during that election.

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Despite missing out on winning any of D.C.’s collar counties, which include cities like Loudoun and Fairfax, Youngkin managed to close the gap compared to earlier elections. This improvement, along with strong support in deep red areas in the Southwest, played a crucial role in his victory.

Both Youngkin and Trump expressed optimism about replicating that strategy with Spanberger, who has backing from Earl Sears.

Trump’s Support Unofficial, Yet Unwavering

Still, Trump has chosen not to officially endorse Earl Sears during this election cycle. In contrast, he did endorse Jack Ciattarelli, a competing gubernatorial candidate in New Jersey, who seems to be performing better in the polls than Sears.

A source familiar with Youngkin’s 2021 campaign pointed out that Trump and Youngkin kept a bit of distance throughout much of the campaign.

Republicans often juggle the need to motivate their base while also attracting independents, all without alienating the anti-Trump voters in Virginia’s densely populated areas.

However, Earl Sears has recently enlisted high-profile helpers from outside the state. Florida Attorney General James Usmayer, noted for his efforts in conservation battles, recently headlined a Sears rally in New Baltimore.

Usmayer joined Sears, Miyares, and others who face tough contests as Democratic influences extend into more conservative parts of Virginia.

Lovejoy remarked that this election focuses on one of the “simplest” yet critical issues at hand.

Virginia House Minority Leader Michael Webert also made comments, urging voters to realize that not only is the governor’s seat at risk, but so is the federal representation for Virginia moving forward.

“A million people have already voted, and this situation took many by surprise,” Webert noted. “Isn’t that disenfranchising voters? It underscores why participation is vital.”