Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R) announced on Thursday that if former President Trump launches his 2024 presidential campaign, which has reportedly been scheduled for next week, she will refuse to support him.
Sears told Fox News’ Neil Cavuto that while Trump had significant victories in the past, people unequivocally stated in the midterm elections that they wanted a different leader for the Republican Party.
“I could not support him. I just couldn’t,” Sears said.
“A true leader understands when they have become a liability. A true leader understands that it’s time to step off the stage, and the voters have given us that very clear message.” She continued.
Republicans expected a red wave to propel them to big wins in the House and Senate in the midterm elections, but Democrats surpassed polls in several contests, thwarting their efforts
The GOP looks to be on track to take control of the House, but the margin will be much narrower than anticipated.
It is still unclear which party will dominate the Senate.
Many Trump-backed candidates in crucial House, Senate, and gubernatorial contests have either lost or are in serious danger of losing, and some Republican strategists and staffers have blamed Trump for the defeats in what appeared to be winnable battles.
Trump is scheduled to declare his third presidential bid on Tuesday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, but several Republicans are reportedly encouraging him to postpone the announcement until after Georgia’s runoff election next month.
[READ MORE: MSNBC Panel Floats Fetterman as Potential 2024 Democrat Presidential Nominee]
