(The Center Square) – Former state Sen. Amanda Chase announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial race alongside Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, who Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently endorsed.
Chase said she would enter the race if her supporters could collect the required signatures, including at least 400 from each congressional district, by the April 3 deadline.
“We need ‘Trump in Heels’ if we’re going to defeat Abigail Spanberger in November. I am that candidate,” Chase said in an email to the Virginia Scope. “If those of you who want me to run for Governor will collect the necessary signatures to get my name on the ballot by the deadline, I will run. If not, then I won’t.”
Chase cited concerns about the Republican field, stating, “We now face an almost certain defeat in November if we don’t find a candidate who can manage and organize a successful campaign against Spanberger.”
Her entry adds to the Republican primary field, which includes Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears and former Del. Dave LaRock, who filed his candidacy paperwork Wednesday, as previously reported by The Center Square.
Gov. Youngkin has endorsed Sears, calling her “a steadfast partner” and “a proven winner.” In a statement posted to X, Youngkin said, “I fully support Winsome Sears to be Virginia’s next governor.”
Sears had previously distanced herself from Trump after the 2022 midterms, stating, “A true leader understands when they have become a liability.” She added that voters had sent a “very clear message” in rejecting Trump-endorsed candidates. She continued, “I could not support him.”
Chase had previously run for governor in 2021 and finished third in the Republican nomination process. She lost her state Senate primary in 2023 and failed to secure the nomination in a 2024 special election for John McGuire’s seat.
The Republican nominee will face the presumed Democratic candidate.
