VA-LG: Morrissey breaks with Democrats, backs GOP's John Reid for lieutenant governor

John Reid, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, on Tuesday launched Democrats for John Reid, a coalition of Virginia Democrats publicly lining up behind his candidacy — a twist that promises to sharpen contrasts with his Democratic opponent, state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond.

One of the most prominent defectors in the new group is former state Sen. Joe Morrissey, a Democrat whose career has long been marked by clashes with his own party.

“Virginians know that our commonwealth works best when we work together,” Reid said in a statement. “I am proud to have the support of Democrats who are standing up for common sense and for a government that is accountable to the people; not the political class in Richmond. Together, we’re building a broad coalition to move Virginia forward.”

The coalition is chaired by former International President of B’nai B’rith Tommy Baer, and includes a number of Richmond community leaders, working professionals, and former Democratic officials such as Kimberly Gray, Alexander Benedict McMurtrie Jr., Ajay Brewer and Christopher Woody.



https://virginiamercury.com/2025/09/23/morrissey-breaks-with-democrats-backs-gops-john-reid-for-lieutenant-governor/