WXFR: Reid, Hashmi explain why they should be elected Virginia’s next Lieutenant Governor

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – As the election day countdown continues, the Lieutenant Governor’s race between conservative radio host John Reid and state Senator Ghazala Hashmi is starting to heat up.

Reid classifies himself as a lifelong Virginian, and after years of traveling across the commonwealth working as a broadcaster and a businessman, he has his eyes set on the Lieutenant Governor’s position.

He said he wants to continue what the previous Republican leadership has done in maintaining common-sense legislation.

“I don’t think Virginians want somebody who’s rigid and difficult in this office; I think they want somebody who’s open-minded and thoughtful and experienced,” Reid said. “You’re not going to get a snap, emotional reaction from me; you’re going to get analysis and thoughtful decision making.”

Reid said he strives to find common ground with people who disagree on a lot of topics.

He said he is most passionate about preserving Virginians’ right to work, which Reid believes is key to maintaining future economic success.

“Right now, we are the northernmost state that allows workers to choose for themselves whether they join a union or not,” Reid said. “If the Democrats, mark my words, within a year, Virginia workers won’t have that choice anymore, and you will be forced into a union, you’ll be forced to pay union dues, and why that matters is that we won’t be able to recruit businesses anymore.”

Hashmi was born in India and moved to Richmond from South Georgia 34 years ago.

She has served as a Virginia Senator since 2019 and is the first Muslim and South Asian American with that title. She said that experience will help her as Lieutenant Governor, and she believes she fits the role as an effective leader for Virginians.

“I’ve had six years of experience in working on critical legislation that impacts Virginians, from education, K-12 through higher ed, healthcare issues, focusing on housing concerns all across the commonwealth, and environmental legislation as well,” Hashmi said. “I’ve got a clear track record on the work that I’ve been doing.”

Hashmi came from an educational background, spending three decades in the classroom.

She said it’s important to preserve Virginia’s status as one of the best states to receive public education.

“Part of the dysfunctionality of the Trump administration is the dismantling of the US Department of Education,” Hashmi said. “In Virginia, we have strong public education, and we are determined to protect our school systems.”

It is unclear whether the two candidates will schedule a debate. Reid has reached out several times, and Hashmi says she and her team would consider any formal invitation to one.