Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in Virginia’s November election, has attracted backing from Robert Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), following a contentious protest at an Arlington County School Board meeting. Johnson reportedly donated $500,000 to Earle-Sears’ campaign after an incident involving a racially charged sign displayed during the event.
The sign, held by an older white woman, read: “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then blacks can’t share my water foundation,” in reference to Earle-Sears’ criticism of Arlington’s policies allowing biological males in female spaces. The woman, identified as a Democratic volunteer with years of experience canvassing for Democratic candidates, faced widespread condemnation.
Earle-Sears responded by accusing Democrat Abigail Spanberger of “selling out to extremist nonsense” and pledged support for common-sense policies. Johnson, who previously donated to Democratic figures including Hillary Clinton and Terry McAuliffe, stated in a message to Earle-Sears: “I have always been a good investor and that’s why I’m investing in you.”
Spanberger criticized the sign as “racist and abhorrent,” referencing Virginia’s history of segregation. Polls indicate she maintains a significant lead over Earle-Sears, with recent data showing her at 46% compared to 39%. The race remains closely watched as tensions over education policies and political alliances continue to shape the campaign.