VA-GOV: Financial disclosure gaps, questionable gifts cloud Earle-Sears' bid for governor
Virginia Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears built her political brand on transparency and accountability. But a closer look at her public filings reveals a pattern of omissions and inconsistencies in her financial disclosures — including a $12,000 “gift” far above the state’s legal limit and multiple undisclosed trips funded by outside organizations.
The Mercury reviewed several Statements of Economic Interests (SOEI), campaign finance reports and related documents obtained through the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.
The records show that Earle-Sears, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2022, repeatedly failed to disclose gifts and travel benefits as required under state law, and in several instances amended her filings only after watchdogs or reporters raised questions.
“These aren’t minor oversights,” said Alex Keena, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies political ethics and campaign finance. “To me, this raises serious concerns about her ability to govern lawfully and ethically and highlights obvious conflicts of interest.”
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/10/08/financial-disclosure-gaps-questionable-gifts-cloud-earle-sears-bid-for-governor/
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