Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears has missed multiple campaign events this week due to a special session called by Virginia Democrats to discuss redistricting. The Virginia House of Delegates approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday, with the state Senate expected to vote on it Friday. Earle-Sears, who serves as lieutenant governor and president of the state Senate, may miss a fourth day of campaigning as a result.
Earle-Sears' absence from the campaign trail has drawn criticism. U.S. Rep. John McGuire, R-Va., labeled the timing of the special session as "election interference." Polls indicate that Earle-Sears trails Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger by margins ranging from 3 to 12 percent. Spanberger recently received a $150,000 donation from the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), which is chaired by former Obama Attorney General Eric Holder.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares have condemned the redistricting effort as "unconstitutional," arguing that it does not adhere to the required timing for constitutional amendments. Any proposed change must pass the legislature in two separate sessions before going to voters in a referendum.
Earle-Sears' husband, Terence Sears, spoke on her behalf at a campaign event in Charlottesville, where he criticized the special session's cost, estimating it at $750,000. "It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money," he said.
Meanwhile, State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, missed the special session on Tuesday to meet with union members. Hashmi's absence did not have the same impact on her campaign, as her race is considered less significant and has fewer campaign events compared to Earle-Sears.
Hashmi has stated her commitment to balancing her legislative duties with her campaign, saying, "It’s my responsibility to do both. So, we are doing campaign activities in between the work of the sessions."
The special session has continued throughout the week, with Earle-Sears present each day. It is scheduled to conclude on Friday, coinciding with the final days of campaigning before the November 4 election.
In another statewide race, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares has gained traction over Democratic candidate Jay Jones, following revelations about Jones' past texts and a reckless driving conviction. The media coverage surrounding these issues has been minimal, according to analysts from the Media Research Center.
As the election approaches, all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are up for grabs, while the state Senate elections will occur in 2027. The outcome of these races could significantly influence the balance of power in Virginia's legislature, which currently has a slim Democratic majority.
Why it matters
- Primary documents and sources are linked for verification.
- Earle-Sears' absence due to redistricting discussions raises concerns about her campaign effectiveness and voter engagement.
- Criticism of the special session as 'election interference' highlights tensions between parties in Virginia's political landscape.
- Polls show Earle-Sears trailing Spanberger, indicating a challenging race as election day approaches.
What’s next
- Virginia Senate to vote on redistricting amendment Friday, impacting Earle-Sears' campaign schedule.
- Election day is November 4, with all 100 House seats contested, influencing legislative power dynamics.
- Earle-Sears' campaign may need to adjust strategies in light of her absence and polling data.