Virginia state senator known as ‘Trump in heels’ launches bid for governor

Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase (R ) announced late Wednesday that she is running for governor, becoming the latest Republican to launch a primary challenge against front-runner Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R ).

“I'm absolutely humbled by the number of you who have contacted me to run for governor. The unsolicited response has been overwhelming to the point I've decided to respond,” Chase wrote in an email to supporters.

“We need ‘Trump in Heels’ if we’re going to defeat Abigail Spanberger in November,” she added. “I am that candidate.”

Chase garnered national attention in 2021 when she ran in the state’s Republican nominating convention for governor, describing herself as “Trump in heels.”

The state senator is the latest Republican candidate to jump into the primary. On Wednesday, former Del. Dave LaRock (R ) filed paperwork to run for governor. Former state Senate candidate Merle Rutledge is also running.

In order to qualify for the primary ballot, each candidate must receive 10,000 signatures, including 400 from each congressional district in the state, by April 3.

Despite the primary, Earle-Sears remains the front-runner in the intraparty contest.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R ), who cannot run for a consecutive term, voiced his support for Sears in a post on X on Wednesday amid the primary challenges.

“I fully support [Winsome Earle-Sears] to be Virginia’s next governor. She has been a steadfast partner when it comes to standing up for parents, backing the blue, making Virginia the Top State for Business and delivering historic tax relief to lower the cost of living. She is a United States Marine who knows how to fight, a small business owner who knows what it means to sign the front of a paycheck, and a proven winner. I will stand with her with every step of the way as our party unites and she wins in November,” Youngkin said.

Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) is the only candidate running in the Democratic primary. While Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) appeared to express interest in potentially launching a bid late last year, he’s given no indication he will run.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the state’s governor’s race as a “toss up.”

Updated at 9:10 a.m. EST

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