WATCH: Full interview with John Reid as he calls out his Democrat opponent’s failures
This week, Virginia voters saw something new in politics: a one-sided “debate” that told them everything they needed to know about the candidates for lieutenant governor.
Republican John Reid stood at a podium, ready to take on Democrat Ghazala Hashmi.
But Hashmi refused to show up. Instead, Reid brought her words to life through artificial intelligence—holding the debate she was too afraid to attend.
Reid’s AI debate was transparent and straightforward.
Every statement “made” by AI Hashmi came directly from her website or past interviews, with sources cited on screen.
Reid made it clear: no fake quotes, no distortions, no tricks.
What voters saw was Hashmi’s record—unfiltered and undeniable.
Reid’s decision showed innovation and accountability, while Hashmi’s absence showed weakness and contempt for the voters she claims to represent.
These are the leaders we need in charge of states like Virginia. @JohnReid4VA @WinsomeSears and @JasonMiyaresVA, are pictured here in prayer — a reminder that they are grounded in faith, American values, and a commitment to serving the people. pic.twitter.com/OctJgs8k65
— Gregory Lyakhov (@GregoryLyakhov) October 26, 2025
Democrats quickly scrambled to spin the story.
A Hashmi spokesperson called Reid’s effort a “deepfake” and smeared it as a “Trump-style gimmick.”
But that dodge only proved Reid’s point: when Democrats are confronted with their own words, they hide behind buzzwords and insults.
If Hashmi truly believed in her record, she would have had no problem showing up to debate it face-to-face. Instead, she left an empty podium—and let technology do the talking.
Reid, for his part, explained that he asked Hashmi for an in-person debate several times, after both the governor’s and attorney general’s debates were already held. She refused.
“I finally said look, she can make up her own mind, but I’m going to host a debate,” Reid explained.
“We’ll use real quotes from her, nothing fake, nothing made up.” Unlike Democrats who bend the truth, Reid insisted on honesty—even when using cutting-edge tools.
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The reaction from the left shows exactly why Republicans must keep pushing for transparency.
Democrats want to control the conversation, avoid accountability, and run on slogans instead of solutions.
Reid’s AI debate flipped that script.
By exposing Hashmi’s positions in her own words, Reid highlighted the core differences: Democrats double down on government control, higher taxes, and radical social policies, while Republicans like Reid are offering real leadership for Virginia’s future.
Even political experts admit that AI in campaigns is here to stay.
Hashmi’s refusal to engage only made Reid’s case stronger. The Democrat’s absence was louder than anything AI could generate.
At the end of the day, Virginians don’t need politicans—they need leaders. John Reid showed up, ready to debate, and ready to lead.
Ghazala Hashmi chose to hide. That’s the contrast voters will remember when they head to the polls.
