FILE - A bicyclist pauses in front of the Senate side of the Virginia State Capitol. RICHMOND, Va. - History-making Republican Winsome Earle-Sears began her tenure presiding over the Virginia Senate on Monday as the state's first woman to serve as lieutenant governor and the first Black woman to hold statewide office."This indeed is an historic moment," said Sen.
Mark Obenshain, who gave a speech welcoming the presiding officer who will be referred to as madam president. A standing ovation followed from members of both parties and guests in the gallery.Earle-Sears, a former member of the state House who last year returned from a nearly 20-year absence from elected office to win election, did not give lengthy prepared remarks.She acknowledged her husband, a daughter, a staffer and a family friend who were visiting in the gallery and tweeted that it was "a privilege to serve the people of the Commonwealth."Earle-Sears was part of a GOP sweep of Virginia’s top offices in November.
She was sworn in Saturday, along with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney Gen. Jason Miyares. The party will also enjoy a new majority in the House of Delegates, meaning Democrats' sole remaining hold on power in Richmond will be in the Senate, where their majority is a razor-thin 21-19.Earle-Sears will cast tie-breaking votes as she oversees the procedural flow of the chamber.
The lieutenant governor is also second in line to the governorship, and the part-time position is often a steppingstone to higher office.Earle-Sears takes over the role from previous Lt.