Winsome Sears

Winsome Earle Sears (born March 11, 1964) is an American politician. She was a Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates 2002–2004, and ran unsuccessfully for the United States House of Representatives from Virginia's 3rd congressional district in 2004.[1] In September 2018, she entered the race for U.S. Senate as a Republican write-in alternative to Corey Stewart.[2]

Winsome Sears
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 90th district
In office
January 9, 2002 – January 14, 2004
Preceded byWilliam P. Robinson, Jr.
Succeeded byAlgie Howell
Personal details
Born (1964-03-11) March 11, 1964
Kingston, Jamaica
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Terence Sears
Alma materTidewater Community College
Old Dominion University
Regent University
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1983–1986

Life before politics

Sears was born in Jamaica and grew up in the Bronx. After graduating from Adlai E. Stevenson High School, she joined the US Marine Corps and was trained as an electrician. Sears holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in economics from Old Dominion University and earned her Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Regent University.[1] Before running for public office, Sears ran a homeless shelter.[3] Sears is married and has three children, DeJon, Katia, and Janel.[4]

Electoral history
DateElectionCandidatePartyVotes%
Virginia House of Delegates, 90th district
Nov 6, 2001[5] General W E Sears Republican 6,696 53
W P Robinson Jr Democratic 6,017 47
Write Ins 4 0
Republican defeated Democratic incumbent
Virginia 3rd congressional district
Nov 2, 2004[6] General R C Scott Democratic 159,373 69
W E Sears Republican 70,194 31
Write Ins 325 0
Democratic incumbent held seat

Political career

In November 2001, Sears upset 20-year Democratic incumbent William P. "Billy" Robinson, Jr. while running for the 90th district seat in Virginia's House of Delegates.[5] Sears was the first black female Republican,[7] first female veteran, and the first naturalized citizen delegate, to serve.[8] In 2003, Sears announced that she would not seek a second two-year term as delegate.

Sears challenged Democrat Bobby Scott in 2004 for Virginia's 3rd congressional district seat, but lost,[6] garnering 31 percent of the vote. She obtained the endorsement of James Dobson.[9]

Notes
  1. "Session 2003; Sears, Winsome Earle". Virginia House of Delegates. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  2. "Former GOP state delegate wants Republicans to write in her name for US Senate instead of voting for Corey Stewart".
  3. Carroll, Fred (21 September 2004). "Sears, Scott Square off in Debate". Daily Press. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  4. "Sterling Women of Winchester: Past Events". sterlingwomen.org. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  5. "General Election – November 6, 2001". Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  6. "General Election – November 2, 2004". Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved 2013-04-16.
  7. "Del. Sears visits Old Dominion class Tuesday". News at Old Dominion University. 2002-11-22. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  8. Lewis, Bob (December 15, 2001). "Black GOP Woman Stuns Va. Politics". Norfolk, Va.: Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  9. "Close and Personal; Endorsement from Dr. James Dobson". Winsome Sears for Congress. 2004-09-17. Archived from the original on 2004-12-06. Retrieved 2008-11-24.

References
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