Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle‑Sears, the Republican nominee for Virginia governor, will make two stops in the Greater Manassas area today as part of her statewide campaign tour, “Operation Defend & Deliver.”

Sears is expected to appear at the 34th Annual African American Culture Arts Festival at Metz Middle School in Manassas between 12 and 1 p.m. The free, family-friendly event, hosted by the African American Foundation of Prince William County, runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features more than 125 exhibitors — including arts and crafts vendors, cultural retailers, youth groups, college and school exhibits, a Health Fair, Business and Job Expos, a Classic Car Show, and food vendors.


GAINESVILLE, Va. – Patrick Harders, a longtime Manassas area resident and founder of a regional outdoor lighting company, is running for Gainesville District Supervisor—and he’s entering a race already stirred by internal Republican friction and calls for leadership rooted in integrity.

Harders announced his candidacy Thursday, casting himself as a conservative voice for responsible growth, fiscal accountability, and transparency. He says he’s stepping up to continue the work of the late Supervisor Bob Weir, who died earlier this month and was known for his outspoken opposition to data center sprawl.


In a recent interview, Brian Landrum, a Republican candidate for the Gainesville District seat on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, shared his vision and plans for the community. Landrum, an attorney and consultant, emphasized putting residents first and ensuring development benefits the community.

Background and Personal Life


Just hours after the Prince William Board of County Supervisors paid tribute to their late colleague Bob Weir, political tensions flared in the race to replace him.

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The chamber is one of several signatories to a public letter released July 23 by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), urging business groups across the state to rally behind Mason and recognize its essential role in the region’s economic future. The statement calls on the university’s Board of Visitors to reaffirm its support for Dr. Washington’s leadership.

“Mason is a cornerstone of Northern Virginia’s economic strength, and its students are the future of our workforce,” said NVTC President and CEO Jennifer Taylor. “We support Dr. Washington because his vision aligns with the needs of our business community.”


PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A political action committee tied to Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega (R-Coles) reported a second large-dollar contribution in its latest filing with the Virginia Department of Elections. The committee, YES PAC, launched less than six months ago, has already raised more than $200,000 from just three donors.

Vega, now in her second term on the Board of County Supervisors, has frequently been seen as a rising star in Virginia Republican politics. The formation of YES PAC has reignited speculation that she may be eyeing another run for higher office.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia State Senator Tara Durant (R) announced her campaign for Congress on June 18, 2025, setting up a high-stakes showdown with incumbent Rep. Eugene Vindman (D) in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

“As a mom, Marine wife, and conservative fighter, I’ve spent my life standing up for faith, family, and freedom,” Durant said in her announcement. “As a State Senator, I partnered with Governor Glenn Youngkin to cut taxes, back the blue, and fight back against the far-left agenda. Now I’m running for Congress to take that same fight to Washington and work with President Trump to secure our border, fully fund our police, end the reckless spending, and restore common-sense leadership.”


PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Republican Gregory Lee Gorham won the GOP nomination for Virginia’s 21st House District on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, defeating two challengers in a three-way primary and setting up a November contest against incumbent Democrat Josh Thomas.

Gorham won 66.35% of the vote with 970 ballots cast in his favor. Sahar Smith finished second with 395 votes (27.02%), and Xanthe Larsen placed third with 97 votes (6.63%).


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – A political postcard-writing session hosted by the Fredericksburg Republican Committee at Wegmans ended prematurely on Sunday, June 8, after store staff asked the group to leave, citing company policy.

According to a statement released by Fredericksburg GOP Chair Scott Vezina, several members of the committee gathered at the 2nd-floor market café in the Fredericksburg Wegmans to eat, socialize, and write postcards in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears. Vezina said a Wegmans employee had given verbal approval beforehand, provided the group remained non-disruptive and refrained from soliciting.


WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Republican Committee’s annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on May 3, 2025, shattered records for both attendance and fundraising, pulling in $70,000 and netting over $40,000. According to a press release, held near Manassas, the sold-out event drew strong support from the local business community and showcased the party’s growing diversity.

Lieutenant Governor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle Sears headlined the evening alongside Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega also addressed the crowd, praising the diverse turnout and emphasizing the party’s evolving makeup. “The diversity of the attendees demonstrates the growth of the modern Republican party in this county and the country,” said PWCRC Chairman Jacob Alderman.


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