I love white wines, but I would like to start drinking red as well. Most reds seem too dry and heavy. What's a good beginner red wine?

You could always do a phased transition. Go for a rose, then go for a red. Or if you want to go straight to red a brand called Blossom Hill do some nice light red wines

Pinot Noir, some Red Zins are nice (fruity and rich), merlots too are often on the fruity side.

One of my favorite red zins in 7 Deadly Zins - < $15. a more expensive one I tried the other day Jip JIp Rocks Shiraz Cabernet that was really nice, easy to drink <$20/bottle.

Beaujolais is relatively light and not very dry. Not all that expensive, either.