Virginia: Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has made history by winning the lieutenant governor’s race in Virginia, becoming the first Indian-origin and first Muslim to hold statewide office in the state. She defeated Republican John Reid in a closely contested election, marking a milestone for representation and diversity in American politics.
A former college professor with a PhD in American literature, Hashmi previously served as a state senator from Virginia’s 10th district. Born in Hyderabad and raised in Georgia, she moved to the United States at the age of four. Before entering politics, she spent years teaching at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College.
As lieutenant governor, Hashmi will preside over a narrowly divided state Senate, where Democrats currently have a 21–19 advantage. Her vote will be decisive in case of a tie. Her Senate seat will now be filled through a special election.
Hashmi first entered the Virginia Senate in 2019 by defeating Republican Glen Sturtevant and was re-elected in 2023. During her tenure, she emerged as a strong advocate for reproductive rights. One of her key legislative efforts sought to safeguard Virginians’ access to contraception, though the bill was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Her victory is part of a broader wave of Democratic wins across the United States this election cycle, highlighting a shift toward more inclusive leadership and the growing political presence of South Asian and Muslim Americans.
