President Trump has not yet officially backed Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears (Republican) as the gubernatorial election approaches its final hours.
There’s still time for him to show support, especially with a rally planned in Virginia that will be broadcast on Monday night.
However, over the weekend, Trump expressed support for multiple midterm candidates on Truth Social, yet Earl Sears was notably absent from his list.
Earlier this year, Trump endorsed New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli and supported Virginia’s incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) after revelations of a scandal involving Democratic candidate Jay Jones.
In reference to the elections in Virginia and New Jersey last week, Trump wrote that supporting the Democratic candidate was akin to a “death wish.” He has previously spoken positively about Earl Sears as well.
“I’m not very involved in Virginia, but I have a lot of love for the state. We’ve done well there,” Trump mentioned to reporters last month. “I think the Republican candidate is solid. She should win because the Democratic candidate is not great.”
Meanwhile, Sears expressed her gratitude for Trump’s support in a post on the platform X.
Trump’s role in this gubernatorial race contrasts sharply with his involvement in the 2021 campaign, where he enthusiastically supported then-Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin. While Youngkin stayed off the campaign trail with Trump, his opponent, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe, attempted to tie him to Trump unsuccessfully. After winning, Youngkin fully embraced Trump.
However, the dynamic between Earl Sears and Trump is more complex.
Following the Republican Party’s strong showing in the 2022 midterms, Sears criticized Trump, suggesting that true leaders accept accountability. Trump retaliated by labeling her a “charlatan” and stated he never held her in good regard.
If Trump ultimately refrains from endorsing Sears, it might actually work in her favor, considering his waning popularity in Virginia. A data release from Emerson College/The Hill Poll on Saturday indicated that Trump’s approval rating upon taking office was 45%, with a disapproval rating of 54%.
