FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kendl Kobbervig, Clean Virginia Communications Director
[email protected] | (608) 575-8798
April 17, 2025
Clean Virginia Calls Out Winsome Earle-Sears for Accepting Massive $50,000 Donation from Dominion Energy as Virginians Face Skyrocketing Electric Bills
Abigail Spanberger and Jay Jones’ Refusal to Take Utility Money Highlights Stark Choice for Voters
Charlottesville, VA — Clean Virginia today criticized gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears for accepting a $50,000 campaign contribution from Dominion Energy, Virginia’s largest electric utility monopoly, as revealed in April 15 campaign finance reports. The donation brings Earle-Sears’ lifetime total from Dominion to a staggering $226,000.
Dominion Energy, a state-regulated utility, is the largest corporate political donor in Virginia history and has spent decades using its financial power to influence elections and protect profits for its shareholders. The company’s latest investment in Earle-Sears’ campaign is part of a broader strategy to maintain a regulatory system that prioritizes corporate profits over public interest, resulting in higher electric bills for Virginia families.
“Dominion’s contributions are strategic investments to shield itself from accountability and preserve its ability to overcharge Virginians,” said Kate Asquith, Deputy Director of Clean Virginia. “By accepting this money, Earle-Sears has shown where her loyalties lie—and it’s not with hardworking Virginia families.”
Clean Virginia also raised concerns about Dominion’s outsized influence in the race for Attorney General, a critical statewide office that often acts as a voice for consumers in utility rate cases, advocating for fair and reasonable rates. The incumbent Attorney General, Jason Miyares, and Democratic challenger Shannon Taylor have accepted major contributions from the utility—receiving $978,250 and $75,000, respectively, over their careers.
“Jay Jones understands that the Attorney General must stand up to powerful corporate interests, not be bankrolled by them,” said Asquith. “Virginians deserve elected officials who prioritize fairness, accountability and the people of the Commonwealth.”
In contrast, Clean Virginia-endorsed candidates Abigail Spanberger and Jay Jones have taken a principled stance against accepting donations from publicly regulated utility monopolies.
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Clean Virginia is a 501(c)4 independent advocacy organization with an associated Political Action Committee, Clean Virginia Fund. Clean Virginia works to fight corruption in Virginia politics in order to promote clean and affordable energy. We are motivated by the core belief that our democracy should serve everyday Virginians over special interests.