John Reid Becomes Third Republican in Virginia Race for Lieutenant Governor as Winsome Earle-Sears Seeks Executive Mansion

The third Republican to enter the primary contest to become Virginia’s next lieutenant governor is John Rose, a former radio host based in Richmond who entered the race Monday as conservatives seek a new candidate to replace Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who appears likely to become the party’s nominee for governor.

Formerly a morning host for WRVA and the son of longtime Virginia lawmaker John “Jack” Reid Sr., the newly-minted candidate announced his campaign in a press release posted to social media, with Reid pledging to follow the example set by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

“Virginians spoke loud and clear in our last governor’s race: we want real principled leadership, not woke social experimentation and radical agenda,” Reid stated. “I am running to help continue what Governor Youngkin started, and to help elect Winsome Sears and re-elect Jason Miyares and to serve as a voice for all Virginians.”

The candidate pointed to law enforcement, schools, and the economy when listing his top priorities, calling it “imperative” to “back our law enforcement, stand up for parental rights, and bring businesses and jobs to our Commonwealth by cutting red tape regulations and lowering taxes.”

Reid announced his decision to join the race during the Monday broadcast of his eponymous radio show, with the Richmond Times-Dispatch reporting he acknowledged his campaign is “not guaranteed success.”

He reportedly told his audience, “I’m going to do my part to clear a path for others of good sense and good values and good will, so that your children will inherit the very best of what we’ve been given.”

While Reid could make history as the first openly gay man to win a statewide election in Virginia, the Republican stated in his press release that he is not a “diversity” candidate.

“I’m not a diversity hire,” said Reid. “I’m the most conservative and proven candidate running, and I’ve boldly stood up for our beliefs in a way that should make my personal life a total non-issue.”

Reid’s campaign website features interviews he conducted with President Donald Trump, as well as Virginia politicians including Youngkin and Earle-Sears. It describes him as “leader with a vision for Virginia’s future.”

Also seeking the party’s nomination to succeed Earle-Sears are Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity, who launched his campaign earlier this month, and James City business consultant John Curran, who launched his campaign last September.

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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “John Reid” by The John Reid Show. Background Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Martin Kraft. CC BY-SA 3.0.