Succeeded by Algie Howell Name Winsome Sears Political party Republican Role American Politician | Religion Charismatic Party Republican Party Years of service 1983–1986 | |
Preceded by William P. Robinson, Jr. Born March 11, 1964
Kingston, Jamaica ( 1964 -03-11 ) Alma mater Tidewater Community College
Old Dominion University
Regent University Service/branch United States Marine Corps Education Regent University, Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University | ||
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.
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Life before politics
Sears was born in Jamaica and grew up in the Bronx. After graduating from Adlai E. Stevenson High School with honors, 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. Before running for public office, Sears ran a homeless shelter. Sears is married and has three children, DeJon, Katia, and Janel.
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. Sears was the first black female Republican, first female veteran, and the first naturalized citizen delegate, to serve. 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, garnering 31 percent of the vote. She obtained the endorsement of James Dobson.