Adwolfe, VA — June 17, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears made a campaign stop today at the Adwolfe Fire Department in Smyth County, energizing a packed parking lot of local residents with promises to cut taxes, expand economic opportunity, and prioritize long-overlooked regions of Virginia—particularly Southwest Virginia—as she seeks the state’s top office in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Sears, a Marine Corps veteran and longtime conservative voice, wasted no time in distinguishing herself from her opponent. In her speech, she pledged to eliminate the state’s car tax, deport undocumented immigrants, and continue efforts to boost job growth and economic development, building on the legacy of the current administration, which she credited with creating 250,000 new jobs.
“There are 55,000 job-killing regulations that this governor removed,” Sears said. “And I plan to continue that momentum.”
Unlike her opponent, Sears firmly opposes unionization of Virginia’s workforce, citing mandatory union fees and the importance of individual decision-making. “We don’t need someone else to tell us how to work. Common sense not nonsense,” she emphasized.
In a notable moment, Sears doubled down on her stance to protect biological women’s sports, promising to defend the integrity of female athletics amidst ongoing debates about transgender participation.
Audience engagement was strong during the event, with one attendee raising the topic of Regenerative Farming, a chemical-free, organic method gaining traction in western states. Sears welcomed the discussion, acknowledging the higher cost of organic food but vowed to help Virginia’s farmers innovate and adapt.
“Agriculture matters to Virginia’s economy.” she stated.
In a gesture widely praised by attendees, Sears announced plans to open a Governor’s Office in Southwest Virginia, a move she called both symbolic and practical.
“After me, no governor will close this office,” she said firmly, adding that resources like broadband must finally reach every corner of the Commonwealth. “I came here 20 years ago and we didn’t have it. I came back and we still need it. That has to change.”
During the Q&A, Three County News attempted to ask a question about BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funds, specifically regarding how Smyth County’s Rye Valley District, represented by Supervisor Jason Parris, can access this federal funding. This are of the county has no modern communications infrastructure other than land lines which failed and were not restored for more than a month following Hurricane Helene. This left everyone disconnected from the rest of the county at a time when communication was a necessity.
Though initially interrupted and redirected to “Press comms” Three County Media persisted and Sears seemed happy to respond to the question at length.
She explained that bureaucratic inefficiency at the federal level has long stalled broadband expansion: “You submit a paper, and then they want another paper. It takes generations to get anything done.” She expressed hope that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will streamline these processes.
“We’re right at the point where funds are being disbursed,” she said. “We’ve got the railroads on board. We can use their poles for power and telecom. The Last Mile costs tens of thousands to reach one person, but we are making that happen.”
Citing over $900,000 in pending funds, Sears was upbeat:
“It’s coming. Southwest Virginia takes a back seat to nobody!” she said as she indicated these funds and that localities should apply for the funds.
Sears took aim at former Governor Northam’s pandemic policies, criticizing the unilateral shutdown decision and the long-term effects on children, the economy, and access to communication.
“That’s why broadband is essential. Everyone needs access, especially in times of crisis.”
The event closed on a high note, with many attendees praising Sears’ passion and clarity. Her presence in Adwolfe was seen as a clear message that Southwest Virginia will not be forgotten in her administration.
For those in Smyth County and the Rye Valley District, Sears encouraged vigilance and action. A video clip is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ1SU2k9_mE .
Local officials, including the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Shawn Utt and Rye Valley Representative Jason Parris have been urged repeatedly to take action before funds are disbursed and gone. No one indicated whether Smyth County Board Of Supervisors have applied for or will receive any of these funds.
We must hold our representatives accountable up to the moment they make this happen for communities like Sugar Grove who are unserved.
Sears’ visit marks a significant moment in the race for Virginia’s governorship, reinforcing her commitment to rural communities, regulatory reform, and restoring common-sense governance across the Commonwealth.
