morning campaign stop at the Salem Public Library.
Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid said Tuesday that his campaign is focused on economic development and business recruitment across Virginia, while also pledging to give more attention to communities beyond Northern Virginia.
“The number one issue here and just about everywhere else outside of Northern Virginia, I think, is going to be business development and jobs,” Reid said during an interview at the Salem Public Library.
Reid, a former communications director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said his background in marketing and business development would help him in the role. While the lieutenant governor’s legislative power is limited, he said he would be an “activist” who works with local leaders to attract employers.
“If we hit the ground running in January, where we make some target lists and see who’s out there and who’s looking to expand, as long as we don’t lose right to work, I’m really worried about that,” Reid said. “That’s one of the key things I talk about in every speech.”
Reid criticized what he described as a tendency by Richmond leaders to overlook Southwest Virginia and other areas. “Everybody in Richmond thinks that the state stops at Roanoke,” he said. “As a native Virginian with family from Roanoke, I feel like I need to put in the time.”
Reid also said he has worked to campaign across the state, sometimes appearing at up to five events a day. He contrasted his approach with his Democratic opponent, whom he accused of relying heavily on out-of-state fundraising and television ads.
“I am begging for money, especially as my opponent gets all this D.C. money and dumps it into television and radio ads and then does not campaign, which is very frustrating for me to see,” Reid said.
Education policy has also been part of Reid’s platform. He has promoted what he calls the “Real Virginia Agenda” and has drawn attention for his proposal to introduce school uniforms in middle and high schools. Reid said he believes uniforms would improve discipline and reduce bullying, though he acknowledged the idea has drawn strong criticism.
“I thought most parents would be glad because it takes away that we’ve got to constantly buy new clothes,” Reid said. “But some people are hostile about it. I’m surprised.”
Reid said he hopes to use the lieutenant governor’s role to support tourism and highlight Virginia’s history ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. He pointed to opportunities to promote sites such as Red Hill, the home of Patrick Henry.
“You have a native Virginian running, and I hope that means something to you,” Reid said of his campaign message to voters in the Roanoke Valley. “I hope that if you’ve watched me over the last year, you’ll feel like I’m willing to work hard and be inclusive of parts of the state that, quite frankly, some of the snobs in Richmond ignore.”
Reid is running against Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, who represents the 15th District in the Virginia Senate. The election for lieutenant governor will be held Nov. 4.