Republican Candidate Alleges Governor Pressured Him to Quit Race Over His Openly Gay Stance

John Reid.updateDynamic is running for Virginia lieutenant governor. alleges that he is under pressure to withdraw from the competition due to interventions by Governor Glenn Youngkin, citing orchestrated assaults related to his sexuality and the appearance of a purportedly bogus social media profile.

A video shared on social media shows Reid, who is the sole Republican candidate for lieutenant governor at present, stating that he was contacted by Youngkin insisting upon his resignation.

I never anticipated that the governor, whom I've consistently backed, would phone me demanding my resignation without presenting any alleged proof or giving me an opportunity to defend myself," Reid stated. "I refused to comply with this request and find it highly offensive.

Reid mentioned that he discovered the source of the stress comes from a bogus Instagram profile set up under his name.

I have an Instagram handle that someone has used to create a new social media profile. This profile has been sharing nude images of various individuals including models and adult film actors," Reid explained. "I want to clarify that this isn’t my account at all.

The dispute arises just days following Pat Herrity's announcement of his resignation due to health issues.

RELATED: Native Fairfax County resident Pat Herrity has ended his campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

He serves as the Springfield District supervisor and has held this position for some time now. Fairfax County Supervisor Board Since 2007. Herrity's father, Jack Herrity, served as the longtime Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

"I discovered that the complexities arising from my heart surgery along with certain persistent problems will stop me from putting in 150% effort," Herrity told WUSA9 on Monday.

This made Reid the sole Republican on the ticket for Lieutenant Governor, and he was recently announced as the new Republican nominee.

Reid is now competing against six Democrats and one independent.

The candidate, who identifies himself as the first openly gay individual to run for statewide office in Virginia under the Republican party, feels these assaults are indicative of a larger trend.

"What occurred today is yet another planned assassination attempt aimed at removing me from being the first openly gay candidate on a Virginia statewide ballot," he stated.

Reid voiced irritation about what he characterized as persistent examination of his private affairs.

He questioned whether he was truly supposed to respond to each probing and invasive query regarding his past relationships, every individual he has been intimate with, and all the dating apps he’s used. He wondered if he needed to disclose details of his gay Tinder profile," he said. "Does anyone anticipate addressing similar questions at the Richmond State Capitol or in Washington D.C.?

Reid declined an interview Friday night, saying he plans to consult with his legal team before making additional public statements.

The Republican and Democratic primaries are scheduled for June 17. Early voting begins next week.

WUSA9 reached out to Youngkin for comment, but had not heard back as of Friday night.