WVIR: John Reid makes campaign stop in Albemarle County

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Albemarle County got a visit from the Republican hoping to be Virginia’s next Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday evening, June 15.

Republican nominee John Reid, a former radio host and the first openly gay candidate for statewide office, emphasized his unique approach to the race for lieutenant governor as he spoke with voters at First Free Coffee Bar.

“What I’m trying to do, especially here in the summertime, is not just talk to people, but listen to people,” Reid told 29News. “Not just the political people, but the average person who may not be paying attention to politics right now and find out what’s on their mind.”

Reid’s campaign stop was relatively informal, with a couple dozen gathering to meet with him, express questions and concerns, and hear about his policy priorities.

Though the Charlottesville area is considered solidly blue, Reid says he thinks his unconventional, nonpolitical background will appeal to voters beyond party lines.

“I hope if you’ll watch me, between now and Election Day, you’ll say, ‘Oh, that John Reid, he’s a different politician,’” Reid said. “I think I can win over some people who said they would never vote Republican, because I want to present a different attitude, and I want to lead in a different way at the capital.”

Speaking to a crowd of conservatives, Reid stressed his dedicated to limited government, the right to work, and religious freedom. Though Reid is gay himself, he has previously stated that he does not support the proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine same-sex marriage in Virginia’s Constitution. Though Reid says he personally believes that couples should have the right to marry if they choose, he says he wants adequate protections for religious individuals who disagree with same-sex marriage.

“He really does live out what his conservative values are,” said Nancy Muir, the Chairman of the Albemarle County Republican Committee.

Scott Smith, the Republican running for the Samuel Miller District in Albemarle County, says he appreciates Reid’s approach and wants a “common sense” coalition of individuals from different parties to attack the issues facing Virginians.

“He wants to represent all Virginians, from a fair perspective, and so, I agree with him, whether you’re at the County level, or at the state level,” Smith said.

Unity was a big priority among County Republicans on Tuesday. Reid has already faced his own set of challenges from his own party, including when Governor Glenn Youngkin asked him to bow out of the race over sexually explicit online posts that Reid says he has nothing to do with.

The Republican ticket, complete with gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears and nominee for Attorney General Jason Miyares, appeared together for the very first time earlier this month.

“I think things are great,” Reid said. “Everybody’s getting along. There are so many things that we agree on, that I can’t worry about the little places where we disagree.”

Muir says she’s pleased to see the ticket “very much united.”

“I think that was a kerfuffle, and we’ve got to move past it, because we want a strong Republican Virginia,” Muir said.

Reid is facing off against Democratic nominee and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi, who beat out five opponents in the Democratic primary.

Reid says he has proposed debates with Hashmi but has not received an answer yet. A spokesperson for Hashmi’s campaign told 29News that they “are considering any formal debate invitations” that they receive.

“I deserve a chance to talk with her, she deserves a chance to question me, and the voters deserve an opportunity to see both of us on stage,” Reid said.

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