Virginia’s GOP Lieutenant Governor candidate John Reid refuses to exit the race despite Governor Glenn Youngkin’s pressure to step down over controversial explicit images linked to a Tumblr account bearing Reid’s Instagram handle.
Key Insights
- John Reid, the first openly gay Republican to run statewide in Virginia, faces calls to quit from his own party’s governor after explicit content was linked to him
- Reid denies ownership of the Tumblr account, claiming it was fabricated to damage his historic candidacy because of his sexuality
- The controversy erupted just before early voting begins in Virginia’s primaries on May 2
- Reid is now the sole Republican candidate after his opponent Pat Herrity dropped out due to health issues
Controversy Erupts in Virginia Lieutenant Governor Race
A significant political controversy has developed in Virginia as Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the race. Governor Glenn Youngkin has called for Reid’s resignation following allegations connecting him to a Tumblr account that reportedly shared explicit images. The account in question had a username matching Reid’s Instagram handle, according to reports from The Richmonder. The controversy comes at a critical time for Virginia Republicans, with early voting in the state’s primaries scheduled to begin on May 2.
Reid has categorically denied owning the Tumblr account, describing it as a fabrication designed to undermine his candidacy. This situation has created a significant rift within the Virginia Republican Party, as Reid would be making history as the state’s first openly gay man to run for lieutenant governor. The controversy has exposed tensions within the party regarding representation and values, particularly as Reid faces scrutiny not only for the alleged Tumblr account but also for his previous attendance at a drag show.
Virginia’s GOP lieutenant governor race heats up: a candidate says Gov. Youngkin pressured him to quit over a smear campaign. Here’s what happened: https://t.co/d47hUbRfiE
— WUSA9 (@wusa9) April 26, 2025
Governor Youngkin Changes Position
In a notable political shift, Governor Youngkin initially supported Reid’s candidacy but reversed course after the Tumblr allegations emerged. The governor’s call for Reid’s resignation aligns with positions taken by conservative groups such as the Family Foundation Action. Reid has expressed disappointment in Youngkin’s demand, citing the lack of evidence and proper investigation before the governor publicly called for him to step down. The sudden pressure from within his own party has placed Reid in a difficult position as he navigates this controversy.
Reid’s position as the sole Republican candidate for lieutenant governor further complicates matters for the Virginia GOP. His only opponent in the Republican primary, Pat Herrity, recently withdrew from the race citing health concerns. This timing has left the party with limited options as they approach the primary election. Conservative Christian voters, who represent a significant portion of the Republican base in Virginia, may be particularly concerned about the controversy surrounding Reid’s candidacy.
Reid Stands Defiant Against Pressure
Despite mounting pressure, Reid remains defiant and committed to staying in the race. In recent statements, he has characterized the allegations as targeted attacks based on his sexuality rather than legitimate concerns about his candidacy. The controversy highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by political candidates regarding their online presence and past activities. Reid maintains that the Tumblr account was created specifically to spread false information about him and damage his historic campaign.
The situation in Virginia reflects broader national tensions within the Republican Party regarding LGBTQ representation and traditional values. As President Trump’s administration continues to shape the party’s direction in 2025, these local conflicts illustrate the ongoing evolution of Republican politics. Virginia voters will ultimately decide the significance of these allegations as the election process moves forward, with Reid determined to continue his campaign despite the controversy and his party leadership’s opposition.
Sources:
- ‘Let’s be honest, it’s because I’m openly gay’ | Republican candidate claims governor pressured him to quit race
- Virginia GOP candidate for lieutenant governor says he won’t exit race despite governor’s push | The Independent
