Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) is leaning into cultural issues in her bid for governor, though some see it as a risky strategy in an off-year election likely to be dominated by economic concerns. Earle-Sears in particular has attacked her Democratic rival, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, over transgender issues, especially in regard to schools. This week, the lieutenant governor’s campaign rolled out an ad labeling Spanberger as being for “they/them” and supporting policies that allow “men in girls locker rooms” and parents to be unaware when their children seek gender-affirming care. In another ad, Earle-Sears accuses Spanberger of wanting “boys to play sports and share locker rooms with little girls.”

The strategy of invoking trans issues played well for Republicans in 2024,

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