GOP Candidate Defies Governor and Refuses to Exit Race

Laptop on desk with plant and coffee mug.

Virginia GOP lieutenant governor candidate John Reid refuses to exit the race despite mounting pressure from Governor Glenn Youngkin following allegations of links to an explicit Tumblr account.

Key Takeaways

John Reid, the first openly gay man to run statewide in Virginia, is defying Governor Glenn Youngkin’s call to withdraw from the lieutenant governor race.
Reid denies ownership of an explicit Tumblr account that reportedly had a username matching his Instagram handle.
The controversy emerged just before early voting in Virginia’s primaries began.
Reid became the sole Republican candidate after his opponent Pat Herrity dropped out for health reasons.
Reid claims the account was fabricated to target him because of his sexuality.

Controversy Erupts in Virginia GOP Race

Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid is standing firm against Governor Glenn Youngkin’s demand that he withdraw from the race amid allegations connecting him to an explicit Tumblr account. Reid, who would become Virginia’s first openly gay elected official in a statewide office if successful, has categorically denied ownership of the account. The controversy has created a significant rift within the Virginia GOP as early voting approaches. Reid remains the sole Republican candidate after his opponent Pat Herrity exited the race citing health concerns.

The Tumblr account in question reportedly contained explicit photos of naked men and had a username matching Reid’s Instagram handle. According to reporting by The Richmonder, the account was deleted shortly after the story broke. The timing of these allegations has raised eyebrows, coming just as Virginia prepares for primary elections. Reid has forcefully rejected the connection, calling it a fabricated attempt to derail his campaign specifically because of his sexual orientation.

Governor’s Intervention Creates Party Tension

Governor Youngkin’s call for Reid’s withdrawal represents a significant shift in his position. Initially, Youngkin had supported Reid’s candidacy, but reversed course after the allegations surfaced. This change aligns with pressure from the conservative Family Foundation Action group, which had expressed concerns about Reid’s candidacy. The governor’s intervention has created tension within the party, especially given Reid’s status as the only remaining Republican candidate for lieutenant governor.

Reid expressed disappointment in Youngkin’s demand, stating that the governor called for his resignation without substantial evidence. “I’m not withdrawing from this race,” Reid has stated firmly in response to the pressure. This standoff highlights growing concerns within the GOP about preserving its Christian electoral base while also attempting to broaden its appeal. The controversy comes at a critical time when President Trump’s administration has emphasized party unity ahead of important state elections.

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

Political Implications of the Standoff

The dispute between Reid and Youngkin exemplifies the challenges facing the Republican Party as it navigates issues of inclusion and traditional values. Reid has also faced criticism for his attendance at a drag show, adding another dimension to the controversy. Political observers note that this incident reflects the increased scrutiny politicians face regarding their online activities and personal lives. Virginia has seen similar controversies before, including one involving Democrat Susanna Gibson.

With Reid refusing to exit and no other Republican candidates in the race, party leaders face limited options. Some observers suggest the controversy may have minimal impact on the November election, but others worry it could affect turnout among conservative voters. The standoff represents a significant test for the Virginia GOP as it works to maintain unity while addressing internal conflicts about representation and values in a changing political landscape.