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Republican nominee for Virginia governor names new campaign manager | CNN Politics

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  Republican Winsome Earle-Sears is bringing on a new campaign manager as the GOP nominee for Virginia governor seeks to quell concerns about the direction of her campaign ahead of the high-profile off-year election this November.

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Winsome Earle-Sears Taps Veteran Strategist as Campaign Manager Amid 2025 Virginia Gubernatorial Bid


In a move that signals her intensifying preparations for the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial race, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has announced the hiring of a seasoned campaign manager, a decision that underscores her ambitions to become the first Black woman to lead the Commonwealth. Earle-Sears, a rising star in the Republican Party known for her conservative principles and compelling personal narrative, is positioning herself as a formidable contender in what promises to be a closely watched contest. The announcement, made through her campaign channels, highlights her strategic approach to building a team capable of navigating Virginia's increasingly competitive political landscape.

Earle-Sears, who made history in 2021 as the first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia, has selected Tim Kilbourn as her campaign manager. Kilbourn brings a wealth of experience from previous high-profile Republican campaigns, including stints with former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and several congressional races. His expertise in grassroots organizing and digital fundraising is expected to bolster Earle-Sears' efforts to mobilize conservative voters across the state, particularly in suburban areas where recent elections have shown shifting dynamics. Sources close to the campaign describe Kilbourn as a "battle-tested operative" who excels in turning out base voters while appealing to moderates, a crucial balance in Virginia's purple political environment.

This hiring comes at a pivotal moment for Earle-Sears, who has been openly flirting with a gubernatorial run since her inauguration as lieutenant governor. Virginia's off-year elections often serve as bellwethers for national trends, and the 2025 race is no exception, especially with the state grappling with issues like education reform, economic recovery post-pandemic, and debates over social policies. Earle-Sears, a Jamaican-born Marine veteran and small business owner, has built her political brand on themes of American exceptionalism, fiscal conservatism, and a staunch defense of Second Amendment rights. Her 2021 victory alongside Governor Glenn Youngkin was seen as a rebuke to progressive policies, particularly in education, where she championed parental rights and school choice.

Delving deeper into Earle-Sears' background provides context for her rising prominence. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she immigrated to the United States at age six, growing up in the Bronx before enlisting in the U.S. Marines. Her military service, which included time as an electrician and later as a leader in child development programs, instilled in her a discipline that she often cites in speeches. After her service, Earle-Sears ran a homeless shelter and started her own business, experiences that shaped her views on self-reliance and limited government intervention. Politically, she first gained attention in 2001 when she upset a Democratic incumbent to win a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing a majority-Black district in Chesapeake. Though she served only one term, it marked her as a trailblazer willing to challenge party norms.

Earle-Sears' path to the lieutenant governorship was not without controversy. During the 2021 campaign, she faced criticism for her strong stances on issues like critical race theory in schools and her visible display of a firearm in campaign imagery, which she defended as a symbol of her commitment to personal freedoms. Her victory speech, where she held up a Bible and declared, "When you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you can achieve anything," resonated with many voters disillusioned with establishment politics. Since taking office, she has presided over the Virginia Senate, breaking ties in favor of conservative priorities such as tax cuts and restrictions on abortion access. Her role has also amplified her national profile, with appearances on Fox News and at conservative gatherings like CPAC, where she's been touted as a potential vice-presidential pick in future cycles.

The selection of Kilbourn as campaign manager is more than a personnel decision; it's a strategic pivot toward professionalizing her operation. Kilbourn's resume includes managing McDonnell's successful 2009 gubernatorial campaign, which focused on economic issues and appealed to independents in Northern Virginia. He later worked on national efforts, including advising the Republican National Committee on digital strategies during the 2016 election cycle. Insiders say Kilbourn's data-driven approach will help Earle-Sears target key demographics, such as women, minorities, and suburban voters who have shown volatility in recent elections. For instance, in the 2021 race, Youngkin's win was propelled by gains in areas like Loudoun and Fairfax counties, where education became a flashpoint. Earle-Sears aims to replicate and expand on that model, emphasizing her unique story as an immigrant success story to counter Democratic narratives on diversity and inclusion.

Virginia politics in 2025 is shaping up to be a battleground. On the Democratic side, potential candidates include Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, a moderate with national security credentials, and state Senator Jennifer McClellan, who could energize progressive voters. The race will likely hinge on issues like inflation, housing affordability, and reproductive rights, especially following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Earle-Sears has positioned herself as a pro-life advocate, supporting Virginia's current 15-week abortion ban while emphasizing support for mothers and families. Economically, she advocates for deregulation and tax relief to spur business growth, drawing from her entrepreneurial background. Her campaign is expected to lean heavily on cultural issues, portraying her as a defender of traditional values against what she calls "woke" excesses in education and media.

Broader implications of Earle-Sears' bid extend beyond Virginia. As a Black conservative woman, she represents a diversifying face of the GOP, challenging stereotypes and potentially attracting voters of color who have historically leaned Democratic. Her rise mirrors that of figures like South Carolina Senator Tim Scott or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who blend personal narratives with hardline conservatism. Political analysts suggest that a Earle-Sears victory could signal a shift in how Republicans approach identity politics, using stories of overcoming adversity to appeal to a broader electorate. However, critics argue that her positions on guns, education, and social issues could alienate moderates in a state where Biden won by 10 points in 2020.

Fundraising will be a key metric of her campaign's viability. Earle-Sears has already amassed a war chest through her political action committee, with donations from national conservative donors and Virginia business leaders. Kilbourn's involvement is likely to accelerate these efforts, leveraging online platforms and targeted ads to build momentum ahead of the primary. The Republican primary itself could be contentious, with other potential challengers like Attorney General Jason Miyares or state legislators eyeing the governorship. Earle-Sears' early move to secure a top-tier manager positions her as a frontrunner, but she must navigate internal party dynamics, including loyalty to Youngkin, who is term-limited and may endorse a successor.

Looking ahead, the 2025 election could influence the 2026 midterms and even the 2028 presidential race. Virginia's results often preview national sentiments, as seen in Youngkin's 2021 upset that foreshadowed Republican gains in 2022. For Earle-Sears, this campaign is an opportunity to cement her legacy as a barrier-breaker while advancing a conservative agenda. Her team's composition, starting with Kilbourn, reflects a blend of experience and innovation aimed at winning over a divided electorate.

In interviews, Earle-Sears has expressed optimism about her prospects, stating, "Virginia is ready for leadership that puts people first, not politics." As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how she deploys her new campaign manager to translate that vision into votes. With Kilbourn at the helm, Earle-Sears is betting on a strategy that combines her inspirational story with tactical prowess, potentially reshaping Virginia's political future. Whether this hire propels her to the governor's mansion remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks the beginning of an aggressive push in one of the nation's most consequential state races.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/23/politics/winsome-earle-sears-campaign-manager ]