Candidate positions from interviews with The Cadet
Since its founding in 1871, The Cadet has served as an independent forum for ideas and perspectives within the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) community. In preparing this election series, our editorial staff sought to uphold that tradition by extending equal opportunities to all candidates for Virginia’s state-wide executive offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
It remains The Cadet’s intent to present both sides of these critical issues so readers can form their own opinions. However, we cannot limit one voice if the other refuses to engage. Any absence of voices in this series reflects the candidate’s choice, not The Cadet’s preference.
Please help The Cadet continue its independent reporting by donating using the link above.
Winsome Earle-Sears (r)
Governor
Despite multiple follow-ups, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl-Sears and her staff did not respond to interview requests. The Cadet held its publication deadline open until September 30 to allow her every opportunity to engage.
Abigail Spanberger (D)
Governor
Despite multiple follow-ups, MS. Spanberger and her staff did not respond to interview requests. The Cadet held its publication deadline open until September 30 to allow her every opportunity to engage.
Jason Miyares (r)
Attorney-General
Despite multiple follow-ups, Mr. Miyares and his staff did not respond to interview requests. The Cadet held its publication deadline open until September 30 to allow her every opportunity to engage.
Jay Jones (D)
Attorney-General
Despite multiple follow-ups, Mr. Jones and his staff did not respond to interview requests. The Cadet held its publication deadline open until September 30 to allow her every opportunity to engage.
Although Mr. Jones refused to respond to repeated interview requests from The Cadet, potential voters should be aware of and personally review the text messages and threats made by candidate Jones to Virginia Delegate Coyner because they reveal serious lapses in judgment and character that bear directly on his fitness for public office. The violent and demeaning language attributed to him—expressing fantasies of political assassination and hostility toward opponents—raises legitimate concerns about temperament, ethical standards, and respect for democratic norms. While Jones admitted he sent the texts and apologized, voters have a responsibility to examine the original statements themselves rather than rely solely on interpretations or campaign messaging, so they can make an informed, independent decision about whether his words and subsequent conduct align with the values, restraint, and integrity expected of an attorney general.
So our readers can form their own opinion:
1. Please read the statement from Delegate Coyner, who received the texts at this link:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPgw7kfkQXU/?igsh=MTFsMnJteHA0anpwYg%3D%3D
2. Please read the actual texts as published by Delegate Coyner at this link:
VIDEO of the Original National Review story with Text Messages:
Candidates for Lieutenant Governor
On August 7, 2025, The Cadet sent invitations to each major candidate, including both candidates for Lieutenant Governor—Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D) and Mr. John Reid (R). This process ensured fairness and transparency. The Cadet invited each campaign to submit topics of importance, receive a standardized set of questions during the live interviews, and select the format of their interview (in-person or by video call).
John Reid (r)
Lieutenant Governor
Mr. Reid accepted The Cadet's invitation and visited VMI on September 23 for an unscripted interview, conducted without prior knowledge of the questions to be asked. During his visit, he also met with cadets and toured the Institute.
The Cadet will publish Mr. Reid’s interview responses in full and unedited in its Oct. 17, 2025, print and online edition (www.cadetnewspaper.com). This decision reflects not only our commitment to impartial coverage but also our responsibility to provide cadets, alumni, and students across Virginia with direct access to those seeking to lead the Commonwealth.
Below is the full interview, followed by brief excerpts from the full interview on each subject. Readers are encouraged to review the full 1-hour interview to be fully informed and form their own opinions on these crucial issues.
Full Interview - John Reid on all the issues (1 hour)
Segment 1 - John Reid on why VMI is important to Virginia
Segment 2 - John Reid on DEI in Colleges, Universities, and at VMI
Segment 3 - John Reid on racism allegations and Threats to Change VMI
Segment 4 - John Reid on The State of Higher Education in Virginia
Segment 5 - John Reid on The Assassination of Charlie Kirk and Political Violence
Segment 6 - John Reid on Military Traditions, and Political Pressure from the Virginia Legislators on Colleges and Universities
Segment 7 - John Reid on the Va. Democrats claim that the rules, laws, and Constitution no longer apply
Segment 8 - John Reid on Sen. Hashmi’s position on Palestine and the Jewish People.
Segment 9 - John Reid on Free Speech on College Campuses and issues at the Virginia Military Institute
Segment 10 - John Reid comparing the 2020 Richmond and January 6th Demonstrations
Segment 11 - John Reid on his "all in" Energy Plan for Virginia compared to Senator Hashmi's plan
Segment 12 - John Reid on his Support for First Responders compared to Senator Hashmi's position
Segment 13 - John Reid on Gun Control and Crime
Segment 14 - John Reid on his "Right to Work" plan Vs Senator Hashmi's "living wage" and mandatory union participation.
Ghazala Hashmi (D)
Lieutenant Governor
Despite multiple follow-ups, Senator Hashmi ultimately declined to participate, and her staff referred The Cadet to a website, which neither provided details on her positions nor facilitated a legitimate inquiry into the issues. The Cadet held its publication deadline open until September 30 to allow Senator Hashmi every opportunity to engage; however, her campaign ceased responding and did not arrange an interview.
Mr. Ried's Debate Challenge
In a striking moment during his visit to the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and interview with The Cadet, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor John Reid publicly committed to at least one debate and one Town Hall with his opponent, Senator Ghazala Hashmi, before Election Day—an invitation she has yet to acknowledge.