John Reid is running for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.  He’s a Republican, a former conservative radio host, and openly gay.  Allies of Glenn Youngkin, the Republican governor of Virginia, have been trying to pressure Reid to drop out of the race.  Reid revealed, “Representatives of my campaign have been told by the leader of Governor Youngkin’s political organization that the attacks on me will continue unless I drop out of the race for lieutenant governor.”  Reid refused, adding, “This is extortion, and it is illegal in Virginia.”  Suddenly, photos of Reid at a drag show surfaced.  “Drag is not for kids but really, who cares what adults watch or what they do in an of-age restaurant or bar or club?” responded Reid.  Then Youngkin personally called Reid asking him to bow out.  “What I didn’t expect was the governor I have always supported call and demand my resignation without even showing me the supposed evidence or offering me a chance to respond.  I do no accept that and deeply resent it.”

He then made a lengthy statement, which included the following: “I’ve been openly gay for 30+ years.  I’ve not broken the law.  I’ve told the truth about who I am for years, and I’ll do it again now.  I was on-again/off-again single and dating for many years before I met my partner over 8 years ago.  Am I expected to answer every twisted, intrusive question about my previous relationships?  Every person I ever had sex with?  Every dating app I was ever on?  Must I share my gay Tinder profile?  Every profile picture on the internet?  The 78,000 photos on Facebook?  Every late-night text?  Is anyone at the Richmond State Capitol or in DC planning on doing the same?  It’s not my place to judge others, so I won’t.  But I haven’t publicly performed or publicly posted anything pornographic.  Have I seen porn?  Yes.  Have I had one-night stands?  Yes.  Are my exes all still in love with me?  No.  What more can I possibly tell you, and why am I the candidate who has to answer questions on this topic?  Let’s be honest: It’s because I’m openly gay and I have never bowed down to the establishment, and I will not.”