Republican Lt. Gov. nominee Winsome Earle-Sears did not directly answer a question from Radio IQ when asked if the full statewide ticket will appear together on the campaign trail. This question arises following a controversy surrounding Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid.
“Actually, as you know, we are all running our campaigns,” Earle-Sears told Radio IQ.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked Reid to step down in April after a Tumblr account with naked men was found that shares the same username as Reid’s personal Instagram account. Reid, the first openly gay statewide nominee, denies that the Tumblr account is his and has remained in the race.
Earle-Sears has only commented on the controversy once before this, saying, “It is his race, and his decision alone to move forward. We all have our own race to run.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares told Virginia Scope last month that “sure” he would campaign with Reid.
So far, however, the ticket has not appeared together, as Reid continues to run his own race.
Virginia Scope reported last month that Earle-Sears wrote a handwritten note of moral objection to House Bill 174, legislation mandating that marriage licenses be issued regardless of sex, gender, or race. While constitutionally required to sign the bill, Earle-Sears wrote, “I remain morally opposed to the content of HB 174 as passed by the General Assembly.” The bill, sponsored by Delegate Rozia Henson, D-Prince William, passed with support from the Democratic-controlled legislature and was signed into law by Youngkin.
Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Mark Peake told Radio IQ he hopes “at some point during this election process, we will have all three of our candidates together at the same event.”