Virginia Republicans Nominate John Reid for Lieutenant Governor to Bolster 2024 Campaign
Virginia’s Republican Party has officially nominated John Reid, a prominent conservative radio host based in Richmond, as their candidate for lieutenant governor in the upcoming 2024 election. Reid secured the nomination without opposition in Tuesday’s primary, joining current Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears on the GOP ticket. Their goal is to gain control of an otherwise Democrat-majority House of Delegates in the November elections, where Republicans are aiming to capitalize on a narrow margin of 51-49.
Reid’s campaign centers on a unifying platform to expand the GOP’s influence in a state where the political divide remains numerically narrow but ideologically distinct. He advocates for an educational system that focuses on imparting knowledge and fostering critical thinking skills rather than political bias. Reid has also emphasized strong immigration enforcement, pledging to uphold federal laws and oppose localities ignoring them. His campaign further stresses the importance of preserving U.S. heritage and landmarks.
Reid’s selection followed a short-lived controversy when lewd photos of him were posted online, which led to brief calls for him to withdraw from the race. Reid has denied any involvement with the account linked to the photos and has moved forward with his campaign. The GOP will face significant challenges in capturing the House of Delegates, as they defend several key seats, particularly in areas that leaned heavily Democratic in recent elections, including districts representing high-percentage Democratic voters.
The Republican ticket includes Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is also running unopposed in the attorney general primary. With Governor Glenn Youngkin term-limited, the party looks to build on his legacy in the 2024 elections, emphasizing economic growth and political strategy to challenge the Democratic majority in the state legislature.