RICHMOND, Va. — On Friday, Republican John Reid announced he would persist in his campaign to become Virginia’s lieutenant governor amidst a controversy involving a social media account with sexually explicit content. This account prompted Governor Glenn Youngkin, a fellow Republican, to request Reid’s withdrawal from the race.
Reid, who is the first openly gay man to campaign statewide in Virginia and a supporter of Youngkin, responded with a video statement addressing the governor’s attempt to derail his campaign. The controversy stems from a Tumblr account featuring sexually explicit photos, under a username resembling Reid’s Instagram handle. Reid firmly asserted that the account was fabricated amidst pressure from Republican colleagues to exit the race.
“It’s to be expected, but I was taken aback when the governor I’ve supported demanded my resignation without showing me evidence or offering a chance to respond,” expressed Reid, who is also a conservative talk-radio personality. “I did not comply with that demand, and I am deeply offended by it.”
The situation unfolds shortly before the start of early voting for Virginia’s primaries on May 2, and mere days following the withdrawal of Reid’s sole Republican opponent from the race.
Initially reported by The Richmonder, the Tumblr account had been active until it was removed by Friday afternoon. According to The Richmonder, the page displayed photos of naked men.
“The governor was informed late Thursday of the disturbing online material,” stated an affiliated political group with Youngkin. “On Friday morning, during a call with Mr. Reid, the Governor requested his withdrawal as the Lt. Governor nominee.”
In his video statement, Reid denied ownership of the account and expressed fears that falsehoods would be concocted against him due to his sexual orientation.
“Anyone can create online accounts mimicking other individuals’ names,” Reid stated.
With Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity departing from the race due to health concerns, Reid became the unopposed Republican candidate.
Herrity’s departure bolstered the composition of Virginia Republicans’ ticket, featuring Reid alongside Jamaican immigrant Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, aiming for governor, and Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Cuban American seeking reelection.
Before Youngkin’s phone call, Reid mentioned he was urged by a religious activist in Virginia to withdraw after photos surfaced showing him at a drag show in Richmond. Following Herrity’s departure, Reid disclosed facing increasing requests urging him to quit.
Reid characterized the persuasion attempts as demands stating, “demanding my exit, alleging that Christian voters would never support me, and claiming it would ultimately ruin the ticket and Virginia.” Reid maintained, “I contradicted that perspective and refused to give up the nomination that I have been pursuing for several months.”
Youngkin initially endorsed Reid, sharing on X earlier in the week, “I spoke with John tonight and know he is poised to collaborate with (Earle-Sears) and (Miyares) in maintaining Virginia as the prime state for business, supporting law enforcement, and robustly advocating for parents.”
The conservative Family Foundation Action group supported Gov. Youngkin’s recommendation for Reid to resign in a Friday statement, saying, “Virginians demand officials who embody their principles.”
Politicians are under heightened scrutiny for their digital presence. The controversy around Reid’s alleged Tumblr account follows a similar incident involving Virginia Democrat Susanna Gibson, who lost a House of Delegates race two years ago after it emerged she live-streamed sex acts with her spouse on an adult website. Gibson subsequently claimed she and her husband did not consent to recordings and deemed the leak as criminal.
On Friday, Gibson commented on X: “Is anyone surprised that posting intimate photos of others can lead to repercussions? Sending thoughts and prayers.”