Virginia’s first female Lieutenant Governor takes her seat in the Senate

Republican Winsome Earle-Sears made history on Monday when she took her seat in the Virginia Senate, officially becoming the state’s first female Lieutenant Governor and the state’s first black person to hold statewide office.

Earle-Sears, who returned from over 20 years out of elected office to win her election alongside new Governor Glenn Youngkin, Tweeted on Monday after being welcomed into the Senate, “It’s a privilege to serve the people of the Commonwealth.” She was sworn in along with Youngkin and new Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Miyares, also a friend of Sears’, Tweeted, “Congratulations to my friend @WinsomeSears on officially presiding over the Senate today. This is a historic day – VA’s first female, woman of color Lieutenant Governor, Winsome’s story represents the greatness of our country. Proud to call you a friend!”

Earle-Sears has made history before, becoming the first Black Republican woman to be named to the Virginia House of Delegates.