GOP Candidate in Virginia Debates AI Version of His Democratic Opponent

The Republican candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor used artificial intelligence to debate a digital version of his Democratic opponent.

On Tuesday, John Reid (R) posted a video on his campaign YouTube channel titled “The 2025 Virginia Lieutenant Governor “Debate.” The video opened with text explaining Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Reid’s opponent, had declined multiple offers to hold a debate.

“In lieu of a formal debate,” the text continued, “what you are about to see is the best-possible alternative — whereby John Reid will react/respond to Senator Hashmi’s publicized policy positions, as mined from a variety of available sources, with AI used to replicate Senator Hashmi’s voice. Now, without further ado…”

Following an introduction from a moderator, the candidates then delivered their own introductory remarks. Reid was seen standing at a podium speaking. When it was time for the AI Hashmi to speak, the video switched to a static image of the senator as the digital voice began speaking.

From there, the debate followed a familiar format, with the moderator introducing topics and the candidates expressing their respective views. This went on for over 40 minutes.

In a statement published before the released of the video, Reid said he had to “force the issue” due to Hashmi’s alleged refusal to debate:

“This is the only time this debate occurred. There were no rehearsals, no second takes, and no advance prep beyond my own notes,” said Reid. “I was shown the final structure and format just minutes before we taped. Every answer from Senator Hashmi is taken directly from her own words, cited and publicly available through her website and interviews. Virginians deserve to see a side-by-side contrast, and since my opponent won’t show up, I had to force the issue myself.”

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