Highlights:
- Ghazala Hashmi becomes Virginia’s first Muslim and first South Asian American Lieutenant Governor.
- Defeated Republican candidate John Reid in a competitive statewide race.
- Previously chaired the Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee.
- Will preside over the state Senate and hold tie-breaking voting power.
- Victory marks a broader Democratic resurgence in Virginia election results.
In a historic political breakthrough, Indian-origin Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has been elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, defeating Republican candidate John Reid in a closely fought race. Her victory makes her the first Muslim and the first South Asian American to hold the position in Virginia’s history, underscoring a significant moment of representation for minority communities in the state.
Hashmi first rose to prominence in 2019 when she won the Virginia Senate seat from the 15th District, a constituency previously considered safely Republican. Her victory then was seen as part of a broader political shift in Virginia, which has been gradually moving away from conservative dominance. Since her election, Hashmi has served as a progressive and influential figure in the state legislature, particularly as the chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee. Her legislative work has focused on expanding access to public education, protecting reproductive rights, strengthening community health resources, and advocating for inclusive policies.
Now, as Lieutenant Governor, Hashmi will preside over the Virginia Senate, which currently holds a narrow 21–19 Democratic majority. In this role, she will have the crucial responsibility of casting tie-breaking votes, giving her significant influence over key legislative decisions. Her elevation to statewide office will trigger a special election to fill her now-vacant Senate seat.
Born in Hyderabad, India, in 1964, Hashmi moved to the United States with her family as a young child. She pursued a lifelong path in academia, earning her bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and a Ph.D. in American literature from Emory University. Before entering politics, she worked extensively in higher education administration, student support, and community development initiatives. Her upbringing, shaped by her parents’ strong academic and cultural values, laid the foundation for her public service orientation.
Hashmi currently resides in Richmond with her husband, Azhar Rafiq, and their daughters, Yasmin and Noor. Her victory came alongside another major Democratic win in Virginia, Abigail Spanberger’s election as governor, reflecting a strong performance for the party in this election cycle.
