Virginia GOP Picks Radio Host John Reid to Run with Winsome Earle-Sears in Governor Race

Richmond, Va. — Conservative radio host John Reid has clinched the Republican nomination for Virginia’s lieutenant governor, sailing through an uncontested primary on Tuesday. Reid, a prominent voice in central Virginia, now joins Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares on the GOP ticket for November’s election, aiming to replace term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Reid’s campaign emphasizes unity to expand the Republican base in a state where Democrats often hold a slight edge in statewide races. His platform prioritizes education reform, advocating for critical thinking over indoctrination in schools. On immigration, Reid pledges to enforce laws and prevent local governments from sidestepping them. He also champions preserving Virginia’s historical landmarks, rejecting efforts to erase U.S. heritage.

A former staffer to Sen. George Allen and a 2024 RNC delegate, Reid brings political experience and a knack for connecting with voters. However, his campaign faced a brief scandal when lewd photos surfaced online, which Reid denied any connection to. The controversy, marking him as Virginia’s first openly gay statewide candidate, sparked some GOP calls for his withdrawal, but Reid stood firm.

The GOP ticket celebrated their primary victories in Richmond, with eyes on flipping the Virginia House of Delegates, where Democrats hold a slim 51-49 majority. Key Republican incumbents like Del. Kim Taylor, who flipped a heavily Democratic district in 2023, face tough re-elections in areas favoring Biden and Harris in past cycles.

Virginia’s political divide is tight, and Republicans see opportunity in the Richmond-Petersburg corridor. With Miyares running unopposed in his primary and Earle-Sears pushing her ‘Axe-the-Tax’ plan, the GOP hopes to build on Youngkin’s record and seize control in November.