Virginia Democrats Break Ranks to Back Republican John Reid

A new coalition led by Democrat former elected officials, business owners, and community leaders has been launched to back Republican John Reid’s bid for lieutenant governor. 

The Democrats for John Reid coalition announced its launch on Tuesday on social media. Former Democrat state Sen. Joe Morrissey, one of the coalition leaders, declared his support for Reid, saying in a statement, “This isn’t about party; it’s about Virginia’s future.”  

Reid’s opponent, Democrat nominee Ghazala Hashmi, responded in a post on X, writing, “I’m proud to have not received this endorsement for our campaign today,” referring to Morrissey.

Morrissey, who served alongside Hashmi in the Virginia Senate, said in his statement: “Ghazala Hashmi has sided with Richmond insiders time and again. John Reid is willing to stand up for working families, first responders, and taxpayers.” 

Among the coalition’s other leaders is Tommy Baer, former international president of the Jewish organization B’nai B’rith. Baer suggested the Democratic Party is not what it used to be. “I can’t help but feel the party has left me,” he said in a statement. 

“John Reid represents common sense,” Baer said. “His policies are designed to address the problems confronting the working class of our state, he is pro-law enforcement, and John Reid will represent all the citizens of the commonwealth.”

The most recent poll conducted by the Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University showed Hashmi leading Reid 48% to 37%. A poll conducted a month earlier by Co/Efficient showed the two tied at 43%. 

Reid’s campaign said that since the coalition’s launch, several Democrats have reached out to add their voices. “We intend to continue holding future outreach events with those and others who are looking to join,” the campaign said.

Hashmi could not immediately be reached for comment.