This article originally appeared here, at alxnow.com
The Alexandria Republican City Committee welcomed Virginia’s Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, John Reid, to its annual picnic Sunday at Fort Ward Park, drawing what organizers described as the largest crowd in recent memory.
Reid arrived after navigating heavy traffic caused by accidents on Interstate 95, he said on X on Monday.
“I was so thankful to meet so many new people and for the excitement and enthusiasm for my campaign,” Reid wrote.
During his address, Reid discussed his campaign platform and recently released campaign video while critiquing his opponent’s legislative record, according to a press release from the committee.
In his social media post, Reid outlined opposition to a series of Democratic policy positions, including forced union membership, early release of violent offenders, restrictions on girls’ sports participation, sanctuary state policies, and what he described as parental consent overrides by school officials.
“In some parts of Virginia where leftists are already in control, there’s a very clear focus that we must put aside every disappointment, disagreement, and distraction and make sure we save Virginia from irreversible bad changes,” Reid wrote.
Reid faces Democratic nominee Ghazala Hashmi in the November 4 general election. Campaign finance reports filed as of August 31 show Hashmi with $2.19 million cash on hand after raising $4.87 million, while Reid reported $316,991 cash on hand after raising $815,301, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
Hashmi’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
“It was a great event,” said Chris Howell, chairman of the Alexandria Republican City Committee. “I was excited to see so many people attend and so many new faces eager to join our movement.”
Several attendees cited the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as their motivation for attending, according to the release.
Early voting for the general election began on September 19 at the city’s Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 132 N. Royal St. is available during regular business hours. Extended hours and weekend voting will be available starting October 18, and a second early voting location will open on October 24 at the Charles Beatley Jr. Central Library, according to the city’s elections office.