EXCLUSIVE: We Found the Guy Attacking Virginia Lt. Gov. Nominee John Reid
Who is so-called "Reverend" Joshua Solovskoy Pratt who called for Reid to step down from the race?
A holier-than-thou "reverend," Joshua Pratt, published a malicious article that sparked calls for Republican nominee John Reid to step down ahead of the Virginia lieutenant governor race in November. But a person who lives in a glass house shouldn't throw stones.
John Reid, candidate for Lt. Gov. in 2025
Restoration News spoke to Pratt's estranged family and the allegations are astounding.
On April 23, the Virginia Christian Alliance posted an article written by Pratt attacking Reid over being gay, using pictures of Reid attending a drag show—something Reid has been very open about. Pratt said Reid's candidacy was a "bridge too far" and suggested he should resign his nomination and step down. Just two days later, on April 25, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) called Reid and asked him to withdraw from the race. Reid stood firm and declined to step down, asserting he has done nothing wrong.
The real story is far more disturbing—and concerns Pratt's own shady past.
A quick internet search on Joshua Pratt led to some shocking revelations. The website, WeWerethePratts.com, reveals the story of a disturbed man who physically, mentally, and sexually abused his family. In 2014, when Pratt's sons were older, they decided together their father must be removed from their life and kicked him out of the family home.
One son told Restoration News that he hasn't spoken to his biological father in 10 years. Another son writes that Pratt and "men like him have no place in a trusted position of public service. His rightful place lies in a prison. He is an abuser, a molester, and a criminal."
The family reportedly tried to file charges with the Campbell County Sheriff's office after escaping Pratt, but they were told the statute of limitations had passed.
Joshua Solovskoy-Pratt's Checkered, Cult-Like Past
Restoration News asked Pratt's family why he previously had a different last name. They didn't know about his name change until they found court papers in his sock drawer, and they still don't know the reason behind it. After the name change was discovered, Pratt convinced his now ex-wife to change the names of the whole family.
One bizarre episode is reminiscent of a cult leader. In 2013, Pratt convinced his sons that God told him the family needed to move "before the east coast falls into the ocean." Pratt taught his sons they must obey their father at all times, and they believed him. The mother tried to prevent Pratt from uprooting the family, but his manipulation overpowered her. They packed up their belongings and stayed in Missouri for over a month and then in Abilene, Texas for another a month.
When doomsday failed to arrive as predicted, they returned to Lynchburg.
Solovskoy-Pratt spent time in prison in Arizona for aggravated DUI after he reportedly attacked police officers while intoxicated. He has opened and closed a number of businesses and filed for bankruptcy at least twice, most recently in 2021.
Action Mission—Religious Organization or Political Operation?
Solovskoy-Pratt's most recent venture is Action Mission, registered as a religious organization in 2023. He also started a political action committee in January 2025 called Action Mission PAC. On April 26, the PAC hosted a "grassroots activism & elections training"—advertised on the website of his "religious organization." Pratt is also a Discipleship and Education Pastor at All Nations Community Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The Action Mission website says it "assists men and women through Biblically Based Life Coaching to become great servant leaders, responsible citizens, and followers of Christ." The "support us" tab indicates that Action Mission is a "faith-based organization," and donations are tax deductible. The problem is the religious organization is also accepting contributions for "candidate support" and "Virginia Battle Plan 2025." The IRS may not approve of these accounting practices.
Pratt was quick to make strong attacks against John Reid—but Pratt himself may be the one to keep an eye on.
(READ MORE: "Virginia's George Soros" is Backing Abigail Spanberger for Governor)
