Last week, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, a Republican running for governor this fall, was the target of a racist protest sign displayed during a school board meeting in Arlington County.
The sign, referencing both race and gender identity, read: “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then Blacks can’t share my water fountain.” The incident drew sharp criticism from many, while Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate also running for governor, issued a measured response through her campaign.
In response to the protest, Robert L. Johnson — billionaire businessman and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) — donated $500,000 to Sears’ gubernatorial campaign. According to a statement released by Sears’ team, Johnson expressed outrage over the incident and praised Sears’ leadership.
Politico: “Robert Johnson, the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, has donated $500,000 to GOP Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears’ campaign for governor after she was targeted by a racist sign at a recent campaign rally” https://t.co/fs8eBzcRxJ
— Josh Kraushaar (@JoshKraushaar) August 29, 2025
“Madam Lt. Governor, I was so appalled by the racist diatribe displayed by a useful idiot at a recent press event that I choose to show all the voters of Virginia how Black Brothers stand up to defend and support Black Sisters when confronted with unadulterated racism. I have always been a good investor, and that’s why I’m investing in you,” Johnson reportedly said.
A spokesperson for Johnson and his company, RLJ Companies, declined to comment publicly.
Sears’ campaign welcomed the contribution and condemned the protester’s message. Meanwhile, recent polling shows a tightening race between Sears and Spanberger. While Spanberger had maintained a lead for several weeks, recent surveys suggest the contest is now nearly even.