John Reid Campaign Launches‘Democrats for John Reid’ Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2025

Contact: contact@johnreidforvirginia.com

HENRICO, Va. — As reported exclusively in The Virginia Mercury, today, the John Reid for Lieutenant Governor campaign announced the launch of Democrats for John Reid, a new grassroots coalition of Democrats from across Virginia who are uniting behind Reid’s message of common sense and his promise to be a check on the political class in Richmond.

The coalition reflects growing momentum for Reid’s candidacy, as Virginians look for leadership focused on protecting families, restoring balance, and delivering results. John is the only candidate putting out a platform and proposals for Virginians to unite behind.

Chaired by former International President of B’nai B’rith Tommy Baer, “Democrats for John Reid” features community leaders, parents, and working professionals who are putting people over politics to support John Reid.

The Leadership of Democrats for John Reid includes:

• Tommy Baer, former International President of B’nai B’rith

• Alexander Benedict McMurtrie Jr., former Member of the Virginia House of Delegates

• Kimberly Gray, former Richmond City Councilwoman

• Joe Morrissey, former Member of the Senate of Virginia

• Ajay Brewer, Richmond Entrepreneur

• Christopher Woody, Richmond Community Leader

“It’s been rare that I support a Republican for statewide office. This is no longer the party of John F. Kennedy or even Bill Clinton. It has moved to the extremes, and I can’t help but feel the party has left me. John Reid represents common-sense. His policies are designed to address the problems confronting the working class of our state, he is pro-law enforcement, and John Reid will represent all the citizens of the Commonwealh; whether they be Christian, Jew, Muslim, or whatever walk of life they may come from. That’s why I am proud to lead Democrats for John Reid.”

— Tommy Baer, former International President of B’nai B’rith

“This isn’t about party; it’s about Virginia’s future. Ghazala Hashmi has sided with Richmond insiders time and again. John Reid is willing to stand up for working families, first responders, and taxpayers. I’m glad to add my voice to this coalition.”

— Joe Morrissey, former Member of the Senate of Virginia

“I’m joining the growing list of Democrats who are choosing to vote for John Reid for Lt. Governor. While we may not agree on everything, over the many years I’ve known John I’ve seen him stand up for people who are being maligned or mistreated or abused. He did that publicly for me and my family in 2020 when so many others were too scared or partisan to help us. Other Democrats have similar stories. I know John is sincere when he speaks of being fair to everyone regardless of party. He has proven that he will be fair and listen to others and that’s why I am extending a hand in understanding and trust across the aisle to support him for this important leadership role.”

— Kim Gray, former Richmond City Councilwoman

“John and I have known each other since elementary school. Over the years, we've often found ourselves on opposite sides of spirited political debates, but John was always open to listening to my point of view. That is why I am confident he can be counted on to listen and work for all Virginians, not just those representing one political ideology.”

— Patrick McCloud, Business Leader

“John Reid didn’t know me when he heard my family and I were being unfairly attacked and needed help. He didn’t ask me if I was a Democrat or not. He didn’t ask if I supported Trump or Youngkin or any other candidate or idea, he just spoke up in public for me and rallied his audience to support me. That’s the kind of man I want to see in leadership in Virginia.”

— Ajay Brewer, Richmond Entrepreneur

“Virginians know that our Commonwealth works best when we work together,” said John Reid. “I am proud to have the support of Democrats who are standing up for common sense and for a government that is accountable to the people; not the political class in Richmond. Together, we’re building a broad coalition to move Virginia forward.”

###