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Stock market today: Wall Street holds steadier following weeks of scary swings

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are holding steadier Monday, and the ‘s scary roller-coaster ride from recent weeks is slowing. The calm trading may be short-lived, though, with a decision by the Federal Reserve on interest rates coming later in the week and worries continuing about President Donald Trump’s trade war.

The S&P 500 was 0.2% higher in morning trading, coming off its fourth straight losing week. The Dow Jones Average was up 144 points, or 0.3%, as of 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.3% lower.

Stocks have been tumbling recently on worries that Trump’s rat -a- tat announcements on tariffs and other policies are creating so much uncertainty that they’ll push U.S. households and businesses to freeze their , which would hurt the . Surveys have shown sharp drops in confidence, and some companies are already warning about changes in behavior from their customers.

A report on Monday said U.S. retailers broadly saw weaker last month than economists expected, but it may not have been quite as bad as it seemed on the surface.

Much of the shortfall in growth versus expectations was due to weaker-than-forecast sales of automobiles and lower fuel costs. Outside of them, the performance was closer to expectations.

Treasury yields initially rose immediately following the report’s release. That’s often an indication of firming confidence among bond investors about the strength of the U.S. economy. But yields quickly yo-yoed afterward.

“In our view, this morning’s February sales report offers evidence of a limited, modest economic slowdown, rather than signaling a gathering recession,” said Jennifer Timmerman, investment strategy analyst at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

It’s a sharp turnaround for investors to talk about a possible recession after the U.S. economy closed last year running at a solid rate and investors were so excited about policies coming from Trump to accelerate it. To be sure, hiring still remains relatively healthy, and that could help keep the economy growing if it can continue. But the talk about recession by itself could sap confidence.

That’s the precarious stage onto which Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will step Wednesday, when he announces the Fed’s latest decision on interest rates.

Virtually no one expects the Fed to make a move Wednesday. The central bank has been keeping rates steady so far this year, preferring to see how conditions play out. Earlier, heading into the end of last year, it had been cutting rates sharply in hopes of relaxing pressure on the U.S. economy after high inflation had slowed.

Wall Street’s focus will be on what Powell says about the rest of the year. Expectations are still high the Fed may cut its main interest rate at least two or three times in 2025. The risk of cutting interest rates too quickly or aggressively is that it could push up inflation. But keeping rates too high for too long could also create unnecessary pain for the economy by slowing borrowing and overall activity.

On Wall Street, Intel climbed 7.9% to extend its gains after the chip company named former board member and semiconductor industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its CEO.

PepsiCo added 2% after saying it agreed to buy Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, for a net $1.65 billion.

They helped offset a 5.2% drop for Tesla. The electric-vehicle company’s stock has been struggling this year amid worries that its brand has become too intertwined with Elon Musk, who has been leading efforts to cut spending by the U.S. government. Tesla vehicles and dealerships have become targets of people unhappy with Trump and his policies.

In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury went from 4.28% shortly before the release of the retail sales report to nearly 4.33% immediately afterward. It then pulled back to 4.28%, down from its 4.31% level late Friday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia.

Chinese markets rose after the government reported stronger than expected factory data. Later Monday, officials briefed reporters about Beijing’s efforts to get consumers to spend more, seen as key to getting the economy out of its doldrums.
Stocks rose 0.8% in Hong Kong and 0.2% in Shanghai.
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AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed to this report.

Forever No More. Operator of mall staple Forever 21 files for bankruptcy protection

Forever 21 has filed for protection for a second time and plans to close down its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping fades and competition from retailers like , Temu and Shein intensifies.

F21 OpCo, which runs stores, said late Sunday that it will wind down the business in the U.S. under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while determining if it can continue as a business with a partner, or if it will sell some or all of its assets.

Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy protection for a second time and plans to close down its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.

F21 OpCo, which runs Forever 21 stores, said late Sunday that it will wind down the business in the U.S. under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while determining if it can continue as a business with a partner, or if it will sell some or all of its assets.

“While we have evaluated all options to best position the company for the future, we have been unable to find a sustainable path forward, given competition from foreign fast fashion companies, which have been able to take advantage of the de minimis exemption to undercut our brand on pricing and margin,” Chief Financial Officer Brad Sell said in a statement.

The de minimis tax exemption lets shipments headed to U.S. businesses and consumers valued at less than $800 to enter the country tax free and duty free.

Forever 21 stores in the U.S. will hold liquidation sales and the website will continue to run while operations wind down. The retailer’s locations outside of the U.S. are run by other licensees and are not included in the bankruptcy filing. International store locations and websites will continue operating as normal.

Authentic Brands Group owns the international intellectual property associated with the Forever 21 brand and may license the brand to other operators, F21OpCo said.

Jarrod Weber, Global President, Lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, said the restructuring lets Forever 21 “accelerate the modernization of the brand’s distribution model, setting it up to compete and lead in fast fashion for decades to come. We’re building a direct creation-to-shelf model that moves faster.”

He added that, “We are receiving lots of interest from strong brand operators and digital experts who share our vision and are ready to take the brand to the next level.”

Forever 21 first filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019. The following year, it was acquired by a consortium of parties including Authentic Brands Group and owners Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners. In early January, Forever 21’s parent company, Sparc Group, merged with JCPenney to form Catalyst Brands, a new entity that also includes brands like Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.

In 2023, Forever 21 teamed up with Chinese e-commerce player Shein. The partnership allowed Shein to carry Forever 21’s items on its platform. It also offered the opportunity to return Shein online orders at a couple hundred physical Forever 21 stores across the U.S.

Forever 21 joins a slew of other retailers that have filed for Chapter 11 or are liquidating in recent months as retailers face a slowdown in and are navigating rising operating costs amid inflationary pressures. They include fabric and crafts retailer Joann Inc and Party City. In February, Outdoor apparel seller Liberated Brands, which has operated stores for surfer and skater-inspired labels like Quiksilver, Billabong and Volcom, filed for bankruptcy — and said it plans to shutter its locations across the U.S.

From Jan. 1 through March 14, U.S. retailers have so far announced 3,735 store closures, according to Coresight Research’s weekly tracker.

Forever 21 had been battling a host of macroeconomic challenges as well as its own issues.

Forever 21 was founded in 1984 and, along with other fast-fashion chains like H&M and Zara, rode a wave of popularity among young customers in the mid-1990s. Their popularity grew during the Great Recession, when shoppers were seeking bargains. But Forever 21 went on an aggressive expansion just as shoppers were moving more online. Critics have said that Forever 21 was too slow to embraice online shopping.

The company also faced stiff competition from the likes of Shein and Temu, which churn out trendy items that are cheaper than what Forever 21 offers. For example, Forever 21 sells T-shirts for around $10. Temu has them for $5.

Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, said in a statement that part of the problem now is that Forever 21’s stores are too big for its current needs and it’s in malls with not enough foot traffic.

“Forever 21 was always a retailer living on borrowed time. Over recent years it has been hit with dual headwinds from a weak apparel and stiff competition from cheap Chinese marketplaces,” he said. “Both things have eroded its standing and depleted its market share.”

Hourigan – Mark Hourigan Jr.

Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics As the demand for advanced manufacturing and reshoring production accelerates, Mark Hourigan Jr. is leading Hourigan’s efforts to support the industry’s evolving needs. In his role as Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics, Mark oversees the firm’s strategy and execution for cutting-edge manufacturing and logistics facilities. With Hourigan’s expertise spanning Food & Beverage, Paper & Wood Product Processing, Plastics, Building Products, and Precision Equipment manufacturing, Mark is focused on delivering high-quality, sustainable, and scalable solutions that meet production demand.

Under his leadership, Hourigan has delivered over 2 million square feet of industrial space, with another 2.5 million square feet planned in the next two years. “Our clients need partners who understand the intricacies of their business and can collaborate with process engineers to design and build purpose-driven facilities,” says Mark. “At Hourigan, we bring technical sophistication, operational efficiency, and deep industry expertise to every project.”

With an integrated approach combining construction, development, and technology-driven solutions, Mark and his team are shaping the next generation of industrial infrastructure to support economic growth and innovation in Virginia and beyond.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhouriganjr/

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Hourigan – Mark Rainey

Director of Mission Critical & Data Centers Virginia leads the nation in data center development, and Mark Rainey is at the forefront of ensuring Hourigan remains a key player in this rapidly growing sector. As Director of Mission Critical & Data Centers, Mark brings a decade of experience in delivering high-performance, resilient digital infrastructure across the Mid-Atlantic.

With expertise in hyperscale, colocation, and federal data centers, Mark is focused on scalable, secure solutions that support the growing demand for digital infrastructure—especially as AI and cloud computing continue to expand. “The need for mission-critical, high-efficiency facilities has never been greater,” Mark explains. “We’re committed to delivering best-in-class solutions that meet the speed, security, and reliability required by today’s leading technology providers.”

Hourigan’s track record includes delivering complex Department of Defense and private-sector data center projects, positioning the firm as a trusted partner for industry leaders. With Mark’s leadership, Hourigan is expanding its reach in mission-critical infrastructure, ensuring clients stay ahead in a digital-first world.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rainey-9132bb6a/

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InterChange announces several leadership changes

InterChange Group Chief Strategy Officer Keith VanBenschoten (Photo courtesy InterChange Group)
Chief Strategy Officer Keith VanBenschoten (Photo courtesy InterChange Group)

-based developer and company InterChange Group announced several major changes to its executive leadership.

Effective March 10, Keith VanBenschoten assumed the role of chief strategy officer, and Cliff Alt was promoted to . The company also announced that Timothy Cognata had been appointed .

A company spokesperson said the director of sales and chief strategy officer positions are new. The previous COO was VanBenschoten, who the spokesperson said moved to a more strategic position versus a day-to-day operations role.

InterChange said the leadership changes came in response to “evolving demands” and the desire for the company to position itself better to capture new customers while better serving existing clients.

“We are thrilled to have Cliff, Keith, and Tim in these critical roles as we continue to strengthen our leadership team,” said InterChange CEO Devon Anders in a statement. “Their collective experience and leadership will help propel InterChange forward as we optimize operations, expand our services, and maintain our commitment to delivering outstanding value to our customers.”

InterChange Group Chief Operating Officer Cliff Alt (Photo courtesy InterChange Group)
InterChange Group Chief Operating Officer Cliff Alt (Photo courtesy InterChange Group)

VanBenschoten has been with the company for more than 24 years, having previously worked as a senior leader and company ambassador. In his new role, VanBenschoten will focus on driving strategic initiatives, mentoring team members and taking a leadership role in short-term operational projects. He will also advocate for the company in industry and community forums.

Alt joined InterChange in 2019 as its cold storage manager. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was a plant manager for George’s before joining the company. InterChange describes Alt’s leadership as “instrumental” in modernizing operations. Last year, he assumed the director of operations role, where he led the team through organizational growth.

InterChange says his promotion to COO will enable the company to meet the needs of more complex customer opportunities. Alt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Virginia University.

Cognata has more than 30 years of experience in business development and sales leadership. According to his LinkedIn account, he was DHL’s director of business development for over 12 years and served in numerous sales roles at Craft Brew Alliance.

In his new role, Cognata will be responsible for driving InterChange’s sales strategy and expanding its customer base.

InterChange is a full-service warehousing, cold storage and logistics company serving the East Coast. The company is headquartered in Mount Crawford but has terminal locations in and . A company spokesperson said that InterChange has about 400 employees.

Va. casinos report $75M+ haul for February

February revenues from Virginia’s three totaled $75.2 million, according to a March 14 report from the . February’s statewide casino gaming revenues were up $2.86 million from January’s $72.34 million.

Last month, casino reported about $19.75 million in adjusted gaming revenues (wagers minus winnings), of which about $16.43 million came from 1,484 slots and about $3.32 million came from 73 table games. (The Virginia Lottery Board approved HR ‘s casino license in April 2022, and the Bristol casino’s temporary facility opened in July 2022, making it the first operating casino in Virginia. The permanent Hard Rock Bristol opened in November 2024.)

, which opened as Virginia’s first permanent casino in January 2023, generated about $17.46 million in February from its 1,417 slots and more than $6.8 million from its 84 table games, for a total AGR of about $24.28 million.

The state’s newest permanent casino, the resort in , reported about $31.14 million in AGR, with about $21.54 million coming from 1,477 slots and more than $9.6 million coming from 100 table games. The $800 million casino opened in December 2024, replacing a temporary Caesars Virginia casino that opened in May 2023.

Virginia law assesses a graduated tax on a casino’s adjusted gaming . For the month of February, taxes from casino AGRs totaled $13.5 million.

Under Virginia law, 6% of a casino operator’s AGR goes to its host locality until the operator passes $200 million in AGR for the year, at which point the host locality’s tax rate rises to 7%. If an operator passes $400 million in AGR in the calendar year, that rises to 8%.

For February, Portsmouth received 6% of the Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s AGR, getting about $1.46 million. Danville received about 6% of the Caesars Virginia casino’s adjusted gaming revenue, amounting to roughly $1.87 million. For the Bristol casino, 6% of its adjusted gaming revenue — about $1.18 million last month — goes to the Regional Improvement Commission, which the General Assembly established to distribute Bristol casino tax funds throughout Southwest Virginia.

The Problem Treatment and Support Fund receives 0.8% of total taxes — about $108,248 last month. The Family and Children’s Trust Fund, which funds family violence prevention and treatment programs, receives 0.2% of the monthly total, which was approximately $27,062 in February.

Two more casinos are on the horizon in Virginia.

Construction began on the long-awaited $750 million Norfolk casino in February. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe remains a partner, but Boyd Gaming replaced Tennessee investor Jon Yarbrough. The entities have scrapped the name HeadWaters Resort & Casino. A temporary casino is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Developers named Ron Bailey as vice president and general manager for the forthcoming casino, earlier this month.

In November 2024, more than 80% of Petersburg voters said yes to the city’s casino referendum.

Helicopters permanently restricted on route near Washington airport where 67 died in midair crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Helicopters will be permanently restricted from flying near Washington, D.C.’s on the same route where a passenger jet and an Army helicopter collided in midair, killing 67 people, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday.

The move comes just days after federal investigators looking into the cause of the recommended a ban on some helicopter flights, saying a string of near misses in recent years showed that the current setup “poses an intolerable risk.”

The , which manages the nation’s airspace and oversees aviation safety, has come under criticism after the National Transportation Safety Board said there had been an alarming number of near misses in recent year in the congested skies around Ronald .

The closure of the helicopter route near the airport makes permanent the restrictions put in place after Jan. 29 midair collision. The FAA order will allow a few exceptions for helicopter use, including presidential flights along with law enforcement and lifesaving missions.

The FAA also said it is studying cities with airports where there are a high number of different types of aircraft sharing the same space, including eight metro areas with busy helicopter routes: Boston, New York, Baltimore-Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.

It also is looking at offshore helicopter operations along the Gulf Coast. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this week that the FAA will use artificial intelligence to analyze data to look for similar danger areas.

But first Duffy vowed to adopt the ‘s recommendations for reducing airspace congestion near Reagan National and stop helicopters from “threading the needle” by flying under landing planes.

The Army supports the FAA’s efforts to improve aviation safety around the nation’s capital and will use “alternative routes to mitigate impacts on training and readiness,” spokesman Matt Ahearn said Friday.

Before the collision, there were 28 government agencies authorized to fly helicopters near Reagan National, including the Department of Defense, military services, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.

The Army Black Hawk involved in the January crash belonged to the 12th Aviation Battalion based at Davison Army Air Field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. That unit has a classified mission to ensure continuity of government by getting certain officials to safety in case of an attack.

It is also tasked with ferrying high-ranking government and military officials to bases throughout the region. Before the crash the now-closed route

was a regular part of their mission routes and training.
The impact on the unit and flights around Reagan National is expected to come up at a March 27 hearing at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing where Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, director of Army aviation, is expected to testify alongside the acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau and

National Transportation Safety Board chairman Jennifer Homendy.

In a letter to Braman, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz pressed for answers on whether the Army Black Hawks regularly operate without transmitting location data, and how many flights it regularly conducted to transport dignitaries and high-ranking officers.
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Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio.

Americans increased spending tepidly last month as anxiety over the economy takes hold

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. shoppers stepped up their just a bit in February after a sharp pullback the previous month, signaling that Americans are shopping more cautiously as concerns about the direction of the mount.

sales rose just 0.2% in February, a small rebound after a sharp drop of 1.2% in January, the Commerce Department said Monday. Sales rose at grocery stores, home and garden stores, and retailers. Sales fell at auto dealers, restaurants, and electronics stores.

The small increase suggests Americans may be growing more wary about spending as the stock has plunged and President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and government spending cuts have led to widespread uncertainty among consumers and businesses.

Some economists were relieved the numbers weren’t worse. Still, many expect spending will grow just 1% to 1.5% at an annual rate in the first three months of this year, far below the 4.2% gain in the final quarter last year.

is on track to slow sharply this quarter, but not by as much as we previously feared,” Stephen Brown, an economist at Capital Economics, a consulting firm, said in an email.

On Friday, a measure of fell sharply for the third straight month and is now down more than 20% since December. Respondents to the University of Michigan’s survey cited policy uncertainty as a leading reason for the gloomier outlook. While the respondents were divided sharply by party — sentiment about the current economy fell among by much less than for Democrats — Republicans’ confidence in the economy’s future dropped 10%.

Consumers from all income levels are feeling more strained, according to a slew of earnings reports over the past few weeks from major retailers including Walmart, Macy’s and Dollar General.

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer and a bellwether for the retail sector, released a weak outlook last month citing uncertainty around tariffs.

February sales also fell last month at gas stations, clothing stores, and sporting goods stores. The figures aren’t adjusted for prices, and the cost of gas also declined in February, which likely accounts for most of the drop. Excluding gas and autos, retail sales rose 0.5%, a healthier figure but still modest after a plunge of 0.8% in January.

Also Monday, the National Association of Homebuilders said its index measuring builder sentiment fell three points to 39, the lowest level in seven months, as economic uncertainty dimmed builders’ outlook and fewer potential buyers visited homes.

“Economic uncertainty, the threat of tariffs and elevated construction costs pushed builder sentiment down in March,” the group said. The homebuilders estimate tariffs will add $9,200 to the cost of a new home.

Macy’s says its customers, even at its upscale chains Bluemercury and Bloomingdale’s, are feeling angst and its financial outlook this month reflects that.

“I think the affluent customer that’s shopping Macy’s is just as uncertain and as confused and concerned by what’s transpiring,” Macy’s CEO Tony Spring said at the time.

Hiring has mostly held up and there are no signs that companies are laying off workers. As long as Americans have jobs, spending could remain resilient. But that is not assured.

Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said Thursday that the overall economic picture for his customers is not ideal and the company said it would close around 100 stores.

“Our customers continue to report that their financial situation has worsened over the last year as they have been negatively impacted by ongoing inflation ” Vasos said during an earnings call. “Many of our customers report that they only have enough money for basic essentials, with some noting that they have had to sacrifice even on the necessities.”

Spending patterns at Costco have changed to accommodate a soured view of the economy, including a shift toward ground beef and poultry instead of more expensive cuts of meat, said to Gary Millership, the company’s chief financial officer.

American Eagle Outfitters CEO Jay Schottenstein said angst is particularly high among younger customers.

“Not just tariffs, not just inflation,” said Schottenstein. “We see the government cutting people off. They don’t know how that’s going to affect them. And when people don’t know what they don’t know – they get very conservative.”

The retail sales report mostly just covers goods purchases — as well as restaurant sales — but there are signs Americans are cutting back spending on services as well.

Airline executives at JP Morgan’s airline industry conference last week said bookings have fallen.

“There was something going on with economic sentiment, something going on with consumer confidence,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian at the industry conference.

Amazon Fresh, Arlington nonprofit to lay off 200+ workers in Northern Virginia

An Fresh store in is closing, and an nonprofit is laying off 149 employees due to federal funding cuts, the two employers disclosed in WARN notices to a state agency this week.

The , aka , posts federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining (WARN) Act notifications it receives from employers that expect to lay off a significant number of workers either because of reductions in force or a business’ closure.

The state agency received a WARN letter from Amazon on March 12 that it plans to lay off 88 workers at 7807 Sudley Road in Manassas, an store, effective May 13. The store will close March 16, Inside NoVa reported. It opened in 2022.

(AIR), a nonprofit that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance in the areas of education, health and the workforce, will lay off 149 employees on May 9, according to a WARN letter received by the commonwealth March 11. The employees work on the 10th floor at 1400 Crystal Drive in Arlington County.

“Like many organizations, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) has had to make difficult decisions in response to recent federal funding cuts, including reducing our workforce by 18%,” Jessica Heppen, president and CEO of AIR, said in a statement. “AIR’s reduction in force affected many talented professionals who were committed to meeting the needs of our clients and the communities we serve. While extremely difficult, these reductions were necessary as we adjust to an evolving landscape for federal contractors.”

The Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement announced March 14 that 4,036 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending March 8, which is 40.1% higher than the previous week’s 2,881 claims and 81.1% higher than the comparable week of last year. 

Amazon Fresh stores are physical grocery stores where customers can shop. The 44,600-square-feet Manassas store is located at Sudley Manor Square, which is managed by Seneca Properties.

Amazon Fresh has other stores in Virginia in Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Franconia and Lorton, according to its website.

“Certain store locations work better than others, and after an assessment of our offering we’ve decided to close our Amazon Fresh store in Manassas,” Amazon said in a statement. “Customers in the area can continue to shop from a wide selection of grocery products at Amazon.com/grocery with same-day delivery options, or from our other Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods stores in the area. We remain committed to Amazon Fresh and our broader grocery strategy, and will continue to refine our portfolio of stores as we learn which locations and features resonate most with customers.”

Amazon noted in its WARN letter that the are expected to be permanent. The positions being cut include 16 food production associates, 65 store associates and seven managers.

Earle-Sears has faced tough races before. Her campaign for Virginia governor is no different

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — is used to facing formidable obstacles in her political campaigns, and her bid to be Virginia’s next is no exception.

The Jamaican immigrant, Marine veteran and devout Christian will first need to win the primary in June at a time when her party has been taken over by President Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” movement. Then will have to woo moderate and independent voters in the November general election as Democrats look to tie her to Trump’s overhaul of the federal government, an effort that has many Virginians worried about their future.

The shifting landscape in Washington is already impacting some voters in the densely populated counties of northern Virginia, where if you don’t work for the government, you probably know someone who does. But Earle-Sears, who has long defied conventional wisdom on what it means to be a conservative in Virginia, says she is up to the test.

“Life is a fight,” she said in a recent interview, “and we shouldn’t be surprised by a fight.”

Still, this fight has grown more complex.

Before February, Earle-Sears was in line to face one potential challenger, an outsider who had only raised $126 for his campaign, compared with more than $2 million for the lieutenant governor. Then Dave LaRock, a former state delegate, announced he would run, pledging to cull through a “Virginia Department of Government Efficiency” that mirrors Elon Musk’s DOGE in the Trump administration.

Soon ex-state Sen. Amanda Chase joined the race. At this point, however, it is unclear whether LaRock or Chase will gather enough signatures to qualify for the primary ballot by next month’s deadline.

With the Republican president staying quiet so far about his preferred , Chase quickly reminded voters that Earle-Sears has kept her distance from Trump and his political movement in the past.

“Our current announced Republican nominee is a Never Trumper who has really never come out and embraced our President, President Donald J. Trump,” Chase wrote in her campaign announcement.

In case that wasn’t clear enough, she later added: “We want a Trump candidate for governor.”

The Earle-Sears campaign doesn’t seem worried: “Challengers can enter the race, but the outcome will be the same” – victory, her campaign said in a statement.

Recent history may not favor Virginia Republicans this election season. Every time a new president has been elected since 1977, the following year Virginia has voted in a governor from the opposite party.

Trump, who is praised by Earle-Sears’ rivals, has never carried Virginia in his three presidential campaigns. Virginia Democrats have begun tapping into voters’ demonstrated antipathy toward the president and are criticizing the lieutenant governor for defending Trump’s cuts, arguing she and other Republicans support the White House’s unilateral sweeping away of federal jobs.

But Earle-Sears is promoting herself as a politician who has overcome obstacles that some said were insurmountable.

As a Black Republican, she said, she defies misconceptions about who should belong to what party. And while Virginia’s 400-year history might cast doubt on the prospect of a Black woman holding statewide office, Earle-Sears broke that barrier.

Taped to the wall of her office, Earle-Sears had written out Biblical verses next to reminders of such determination: “Come and do the impossible, Winsome. Come and endure the impossible, Winsome. Come and believe the impossible, Winsome.” Lining the walls of her office suite are framed photos of the first African American members elected to the Virginia General Assembly during Reconstruction and of Coretta Scott King.

In some cases, the lieutenant governor’s unvarnished attitude toward politics has led her to unexpected victories. That happened, for example, when she ousted a 10-term Democrat in the House of Delegates at the outset of her political career. Earle-Sears had spent just half the amount of money in the left-leaning district. In 2021, nearly two decades after she last held political office, Earle-Sears became the first Black woman elected statewide.

She’s had setbacks, too. She was handily defeated by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, a Democrat, in a 2004 race for Congress. When she ran for the U.S. Senate in 2018 as a write-in candidate, she got less than 1% of the vote.

“It’s definitely the case that being a Black woman makes you a double minority, and being a Black Republican woman would make you a triple minority,” said Ernest McGowen, a political science professor at the University of Richmond. He added: “You may be able to bring a kind of life experience that maybe some in the party have not had. But you also have to confront some of the misconceptions and deep-seated notions that some members of your party may have.”

Virginia is one of two states picking a new governor this year and is also one of the top states for federal jobs. Trump’s agenda will undoubtedly play a role in voter attitudes as he continues to winnow and entirely eliminate agencies. Roughly 300 federal workers and 100 government contractors already applied for unemployment during the first three weeks of February in Virginia, according to the state’s labor secretary, George “Bryan” Slater, and those numbers are expected to grow.

Still, there are some divides in the Virginia Republican Party over loyalties to Trump.

LaRock joined the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, though he has said he did not participate in the violence at the Capitol on that day. Chase, who has described herself as “Trump in heels,” was censured by the state Senate in 2021 after she seemed to voice support for people who had rioted in the nation’s capital on Jan. 6.

Earle-Sears had not cozied up to Trump in recent years.

In 2020, she co-chaired a group called Black Americans to Re-elect President Trump. But after the 2022 midterms, she said Trump was a liability and suggested it was time for the party to move on. In her 2023 memoir, Earle-Sears commended Trump’s policies during his first term, but she said, “For the good of the nation, I do not think he should run again in 2024.” Last August, she said she would vote for him, according to Lynchburg’s News and Advance.

Trump has criticized Earle-Sears, posting on Truth Social, his social media platform, in 2022: “Never felt good about Winsome Sears. Always thought she was a phony. Now I find out she is.”

Earle-Sears says she is undeterred.

“I’m a Christian, and so that’s where I go to for guidance,” she said.

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.