CBS19: Reid talks about his run for lieutenant governor

RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS)  -- With the Democratic primary for Virginia lieutenant governor heating up, Republican John Reid is preparing for November with a clear advantage: no primary challenger.

Reid, a conservative talk radio host and political commentator, is the sole Republican running for the seat, and said the uncontested primary has allowed him to get a head start.

“If I was stuck in the middle of a contentious primary battle like the Democrats are right now, I wouldn't have been able to talk to swing voters,” Reid said in an interview. “So that's been a real advantage for me.”

Reid said his top priorities include cutting taxes and easing the financial burden on Virginians — especially retirees and working-class families.

“Working people are tired of the car tax,” he said. “Folks on fixed incomes whose home assessments have doubled — it’s unfair. That’s wrong. And I’m going to fight for those folks,” said Reid.

Education is another key issue in his campaign. Reid, who is the first openly gay candidate nominated by either party for statewide office in Virginia, said his identity gives him insight into how to approach education policy and student needs.

“We can't have another decade that's lost where kids can't read or write, but they know about 67 different genders,” Reid said. “It gives me some insight into the smart way to deal with students who need some help — and also the ability to say, ‘This crosses a line.’”

Reid’s campaign faced early controversy when social media accounts containing sensitive content were allegedly linked to him. The candidate has denied any connection and said the allegations were a coordinated smear effort.

“I don't think anybody's questioning my credibility now,” Reid said. “We proved that what was alleged was fake and that it was done as a smear job on me.”

Among those who initially criticized Reid was Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. But Reid downplayed any long-term party division, saying they still agree on most key policy matters.

“Glenn Youngkin's been a pretty good governor. He stopped 200 bad ideas from becoming bad laws. I’ll give him all the credit in the world for that,” Reid said. “We're having a problem right now, and maybe he and I will talk about it. But we're united on the key issues that are important for the state.” Reid said his campaign is focused on making Virginia a more affordable and appealing place to live — not on political infighting.

"I'm not interested in the blame game,” he said. “I'm interested in making it so that the people who've chosen Virginia as the place they want to live can actually stay here and not have to leave.”

The general election for lieutenant governor will be held Nov. 4.

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