(The Center Square) – Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid’s campaign released an internal poll Wednesday showing him slightly ahead of Democratic nominee Ghazala Hashmi.
The survey, conducted between Sept. 3–5 by Pulse Decision Science, asked 512 likely Virginia voters about the statewide races. It found Reid with 45% support, Hashmi with 42% and 9% undecided. The poll carries a margin of error of +/- 4.4%.
In the governor’s race, the same poll showed Democrat Abigail Spanberger ahead of Republican Winsome Earle-Sears 48% to 43%, with 1% for independent Donna Charles and 8% undecided.
The sample included 34% Democrats, 33% Republicans and 31% independents or other. Respondents were contacted by text and landline.
Reid’s campaign also released a new ad Wednesday criticizing Hashmi’s record.
The ad highlights her support for driver’s licenses and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants and notes her co-sponsorship of a bill that reduced penalties for assaulting police officers and firefighters.
Hashmi has focused recent campaign messaging on health care and education. During a stop in Buena Vista, she warned that federal funding cuts could force rural hospitals to close and criticized Reid for backing what she described as cuts to public school funding in favor of vouchers.
Because the Reid campaign paid for the poll, it is considered an internal survey rather than an independent public poll. Campaigns often release internal numbers to highlight momentum or shape the narrative in a race.
The Center Square reached out to both campaigns for additional comment.
