In a striking display of bipartisan solidarity, a prominent Democratic donor has contributed a substantial sum to a Republican candidate for Virginia governor following a disturbing racist incident at a public event.
According to the Daily Caller, this story centers on Robert Johnson, a billionaire and longtime Democratic supporter, donating $500,000 to Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for Virginia governor, after she faced a racist attack during a protest in August 2025.
Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor of Virginia, is running as the Republican nominee in the November 2025 gubernatorial election. If elected, she would make history as the first Black female governor in the United States. Her campaign has gained attention not only for its historic potential but also for the challenges she has faced, including a recent incident that sparked widespread controversy.
On Aug. 21, 2025, Earle-Sears spoke at an Arlington County School Board meeting, addressing her opposition to the county’s policies on bathroom and locker room access for biological males in female spaces.
During a protest outside the meeting, an older white woman held a sign that read, “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then blacks can’t share my water foundation,” promoting a left-wing stance on gender ideology. The sign’s racially charged language drew immediate backlash for its offensive comparison, igniting a firestorm of criticism across political lines.
Robert Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and chairman of RLJ Companies, was among those appalled by the incident. As one of the nation’s first Black billionaires, Johnson has a history of supporting Democratic causes, including donations to former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. However, the racist attack on Earle-Sears prompted him to cross party lines with a significant financial contribution to her campaign.
Johnson donated $500,000 to Earle-Sears’ campaign, a move reported by Politico’s Playbook on Friday following the protest incident. In a statement provided by the Earle-Sears campaign, Johnson expressed his disgust at the racist display at the Arlington event. He said, “Madam Lt. Governor. I was so appalled by that racist diatribe displayed by a useful idiot at a recent press event that I chose to show all the voters of Virginia how Black Brothers stand up to defend and support their Black Sisters when confronted with unadulterated racism.”
In the same statement, Johnson added, “I have always been a good investor and that’s why I’m investing in you.” This substantial donation marks a rare instance of a prominent Democratic figure backing a Republican candidate, highlighting the severity of the racist attack in Johnson’s view. The contribution also comes at a critical time for Earle-Sears, whose campaign has lagged in fundraising efforts.
As of June 2025, Earle-Sears had approximately $4.5 million in campaign funds, a stark contrast to her Democratic opponent, Abigail Spanberger, who reported $15.2 million in the bank. The financial disparity underscores the uphill battle Earle-Sears faces in the race to become Virginia’s next governor. Johnson’s donation, while significant, is unlikely to close the gap entirely, but it serves as a powerful statement of support amid adversity.
Earle-Sears herself responded to the protest sign on the social media platform X, expressing her revulsion at the message. She wrote, “I’m disgusted, but not surprised. This is the ‘tolerant’ left Abigail Spanberger defends.” In a separate post on X, she added, “There is no place for this disgusting hatred in our Commonwealth. Anyone who doesn’t condemn this sign is complicit in approving it.”
The incident and Johnson’s subsequent donation have brought renewed attention to the Virginia gubernatorial race, which was already poised to be a closely watched contest. Earle-Sears’ historic candidacy, combined with the stark fundraising differences, had already set the stage for a contentious election against Spanberger. Now, the racist attack and the bipartisan response it elicited have added another layer of complexity to the campaign narrative.
Johnson’s decision to support Earle-Sears reflects a broader call for unity against hatred, transcending traditional political divides. His history of backing Democratic candidates like McAuliffe, who lost to current Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2021, makes this move particularly noteworthy. It signals that for Johnson, standing against racism takes precedence over partisan loyalty in this instance.
The Arlington incident has also sparked discussions about the tone of political discourse in Virginia, a state with a complex history on issues of race and equality. Earle-Sears’ strong condemnation of the protest sign resonates with many who seek a Commonwealth free from such divisive rhetoric. As the election approaches, both candidates will likely face increased scrutiny over how they address these sensitive societal issues.
With the November 2025 election drawing closer, the Virginia gubernatorial race remains a focal point for national observers. Earle-Sears’ potential to break barriers as the first Black female governor adds historic weight to her candidacy. Whether Johnson’s donation and the incident that prompted it will sway voters remains to be seen, but they have undeniably shifted the conversation surrounding this critical race.