It seems that Virginia gubernatorial-level politics are a complete mess right now, and those involved include Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Republican nominee for lieutenant governor John Reid.

According to NBC Washington, Reid claimed that the governor's advisors are pressuring him to drop out of the race over allegations of sexually inappropriate photos that surfaced. 

Reid, the first openly gay Republican to run on the statewide ticket, claims that sexually inappropriate, lewd pictures that sources claim were on one of his Tumblr accounts have been fabricated.

Youngkin reportedly called Reid to discuss the issue, but claims that he didn't pressure him to drop out of the race, despite Reid's claims.

What's going on?

At an event last week, Gov. Youngkin explained his position on the matter, adding that he called Reid because he thinks the lewd pictures scandal distracts voters from key topics and harms the party.

"Explicit social media content like this is a distraction. It’s a distraction for campaigns, and it’s a distraction from people paying attention to the most important issues," Youngkin said at the event.

The Virginia governor made it clear, despite Reid's claims, that he left Reid the decision on whether or not to drop out of the race.

"The decision is John’s and up to John," Youngkin stated.

The outlet noted:

In social media posts Friday and over the weekend, Reid accused Youngkin’s political advisors of extortion. He said religious activists threatened to release lewd photos they claimed he had posted on a Tumblr account. Reid said the photos are not his and the account was fabricated.

Then, he said the governor asked him to step down, he refused and his aides were contacted again.]

In a video posted to social media, Reid said, "They were told if I dropped out of the race, they would purchase the opposition research and the lies and threat against me would suddenly stop. This is extortion and it is illegal in Virginia."

Others weigh in

GOP gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor, offered her opinion on the ongoing controversy.

"President Lincoln said, 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' Those biblical words from Matthew 12:25 embody the positive mission of our campaign — to unite and inspire Virginians of all backgrounds. This week, focus on the lieutenant governor nominee distracted from that mission and cannot continue. John Reid is the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor. It is his race, and his decision alone to move forward. We all have our own race to run," she stated.

The situation is reportedly causing distress within the ranks of the Virginia Republican Party.

Only time will tell if Reid decides to call it quits or stick it out.