Friend, I will admit something that might surprise you: I was a Democrat until 1988. 

I grew up in the Bronx after my father came to America from Jamaica. As a teenager, I joined the Marine Corps and became a registered Democrat. 

It wasn’t until the 1988 Presidential Election – when I heard the candidates talking about abortion and welfare – that I realized my views were actually Republican. 

We’ve all heard the notion from Democrats that they are the only political party that cares about folks who look like me. I believed it myself for so many years! 

Once I started paying attention, I realized that the Republicans were discussing the issues that matter to me and my family. Their message of lifting folks out of poverty and giving them a chance to succeed instead of more government handouts resonated with me. 

My entire adult life has been driven by personal responsibility and taking advantage of the opportunities provided to everyone in this country.

I never set out to be a politician—I spent most of my life raising my family and running a small business—but when I saw what was happening in my local community, I felt compelled to run for office. 

Most people didn’t give me a shot to win. I took on a 20-year incumbent in a deeply democratic district. Thankfully, I didn’t listen to the chattering political class and instead took my conservative message directly to the voters—and it worked. 

Those conversations and connections I made during that campaign showed me that while the Democrats like to talk about the issue of race and love to demonize the Republican party, it was the policies of conservatism that resonated most in those communities. 

Republicans shouldn’t shy away from tough conversations about the issues that matter to folks in the communities where I grew up. 

We are the party that lifts everyone from poverty and allows every person to fulfill their God-given potential. As the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, I am not shying away from discussing those issues across the Commonwealth. 

I know that may ruffle some feathers in the political establishment, but once I heard the Republican party's policies, I quickly realized that they aligned with my values. 

Please join me in my campaign for Governor and help ensure we spread our message to every community nationwide. Republicans should be proud of our record and values – and it’s up to all of us to ensure we leave no voter behind. 

I would be grateful if you could contribute $25, $50, or even $100 to help fund our efforts over the next few months. 

We are on the brink of something incredible, but it will take each of us to do our part. 

Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA) 

I’m Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican candidate running for Governor of Virginia. I broke records as the first black female Lieutenant Governor in Virginia, but my mission isn’t over yet!

It’s going to all of us conservatives working together to win. So please, chip in if you can today!