Virginia’s Republican party embrace DEI, really?

Virginia Republicans Embrace DEI! 

At least that is the heading in my head. 

Virginia Republicans have locked in the most diverse statewide ticket in Commonwealth history, featuring three barrier-breaking nominees: Winsome Earle-Sears, the first Black woman to secure a major party’s gubernatorial nomination; John Reid, the first openly gay person nominated for statewide office in Virginia’s history; and Jason Miyares, Virginia’s first Latino Attorney General running for re-election. Despite sharp policy differences, none of these nominees carries any credible ethics or character controversies—underscoring that diversity and integrity can go hand in hand. This historic slate also reflects a broader truth: political affiliations do not define monolithic viewpoints, and meaningful dialogue across ideological lines remains possible. As the Democrats prepare to unveil their equally diverse ticket—headed by former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, poised to become Virginia’s first woman governor—our Commonwealth once again leads the nation in inclusive representation (reminds me of the good ole days of Gerald L. Baliles, Doug Wilder, and Mary-Sue Terry. 

But what does this really mean? 

Virginia’s Historic GOP Ticket
 • Virginia’s Republican ticket for the 2025 statewide elections features unprecedented diversity and inclusivity, marking a another milestone in the Commonwealth’s political history.
 • Governor: Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears will be the GOP nominee, becoming the first Black woman in Virginia to achieve this distinction.
 • Lieutenant Governor: Conservative talk-radio host John Reid ran unopposed after his only primary rival withdrew, making him the first openly gay nominee for any statewide office in Virginia.
 • Attorney General: Incumbent Jason Miyares, the first Latino to hold Virginia’s attorney general post, is up for re-election—all without any notable ethics or character issues.

Beyond Policy: Integrity and Perspective

Although I strongly disagree with much of the Republican platform, there is no evidence that any nominee faces moral, ethical, or character-related controversies—an impressive feat for such high-profile figures.
This slate resonates with my own diverse network: I count Republicans among my closest friends, and we engage in candid, respectful debate—proof that no demographic group is monolithic. Someone dares to call me a moderate, and I clutched my pearls.

A Counterpoint to National Culture Wars

While the current administration in Washington, D.C., aggressively dismantles diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, Virginia demonstrates the opposite in practice: the most qualified candidates—regardless of race, gender, or orientation—are given a fair shot at leadership.

Looking Ahead: Bipartisan Momentum
 • In just a few weeks, the Democratic Party will announce its nominees, and diversity will again headline their ticket. Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a white woman, is on track to become Virginia’s first female governor.
 • With both parties presenting groundbreaking tickets, Virginia is poised to lead the nation once more in inclusive governance—and I, for one, am ready for it. Hey, in Virginia we may even split the decision….we have done it before. 

We know one thing for sure. Virginia is making history in November…and it is progressive history! 

And yet..I make no secrets who I am voting for because I vote according to who most aligns with my values, my interests, my community and my life. For me, the choice is clear.