'Hateful, Bigoted Attacks' By John Reid Prompt Response From 18 VA Lawmakers

On Thursday, the office of Virginia Sen. Saddam Salim (D-Fairfax) released the following statement from 18 Virginia lawmakers in response to Republican John Reid's social media comments criticizing Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D-Richmond), his opponent in the Virginia lieutenant governor's race in the Nov. 4 election.

"As Muslim leaders representing Virginians from every walk of life, we are deeply offended by John
Reid’s hateful and bigoted attacks on Sen. Ghazala Hashmi. Reid’s indefensible social media comments yesterday add to a troubling pattern and demonstrate his true character. He may claim to be respectful of all Virginians, but he has made it clear that is nothing more than another lie he’s told on the campaign trail.

"Reid can’t defend his extreme agenda, so he has resorted to childish personal attacks. Time after time, Reid has shown us he will not stand up for our rights or freedoms. His willingness to disparage Virginians because of their faith is unacceptable.

"Virginians want leaders who will celebrate and honor the many diverse communities across the
Commonwealth – not attack them to score cheap political points. If Reid thinks it's okay to disparage and attack Virginians over religious differences, then he is not ready to be lieutenant governor.”

Senator Saddam Salim
Senate District 37, Fairfax

Delegate Sam Rasoul
House District 38, Roanoke

Aeshah Sheikh
Former Chair, Prince William
County Democratic Committee

Abdulahi Abdalla
City of Alexandria School
Board Member

Mohamed Seifeldein
Former City of Alexandria
Councilman

Raheel Sheikh
Planning Commissioner, Occoquan
District, Prince William County

Arben Istrefi
Loudoun County School Board
Member, Sterling District

Babur Lateef
Prince William County
School Board Chair

Lisa Zargarpur
Prince William County School
Board Member, Coles District

Haseeb Javed
Council Member, City of
Manassas Park

Abdulahi Abdalla
City of Alexandria School
Board Member

Dr. Sumera Rashid
Loudoun County School Board
Member, Little River District

Uzma Rasheed
Loudoun County SWCD
Director

Buta Biberaj
Former Loudoun County
Commonwealth’s Attorney

Harris Mahedavi
Former Loudoun County School
Board Member, Ashburn District

Mohamed Gula
Muslim Community Leader

Anika Rahman
Democratic Asian Americans
of Virginia Vice Chair

Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi
City of Alexandria Councilman