Democrat Ghazala Hashmi made history on Tuesday after winning Virginia’s lieutenant governor race, becoming the first Indian-American and Muslim to hold statewide office in the Commonwealth. She triumphed over Republican John Reid, a well-known broadcaster from Richmond, marking a groundbreaking moment in Virginia’s political landscape.
Currently serving as a state senator representing a district south of Richmond, Hashmi first gained recognition in 2019 when she flipped a Republican seat, signaling a shift in Virginia’s political mood. Her latest victory solidifies her as one of the most influential Democratic voices in a state known for its sharp partisan swings.
In her victory address, Hashmi thanked Virginians for believing in a “future built on unity and shared purpose.” She expressed pride in her immigrant roots, saying, “As a daughter of immigrants and an educator, I’ve learned that our strength lies in understanding one another and ensuring opportunity for all.”
Hashmi’s political agenda includes progressive reforms, such as overturning Virginia’s Right to Work law, which she argues weakens labor protections. She has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, now in his second term, labeling his leadership “even worse than before” and accusing him of being surrounded by “villainous creatures.”
As lieutenant governor, Hashmi will preside over Virginia’s Senate, navigating a closely divided legislature and shaping the state’s Democratic vision for the future. Her victory speech emphasized inclusion and resilience: “Virginia has shown that diversity is our greatest strength. We’re not going backward — we’re moving forward together.”
Born in Hyderabad, India, and raised in Georgia, Hashmi’s journey from academia to politics embodies the American dream. Holding a Ph.D. in American literature from Emory University, she previously taught at the University of Richmond and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, where she led the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Throughout her campaign, Hashmi championed education reform, Medicaid expansion, reproductive rights, and environmental sustainability, all while advocating for affordable housing and climate action. Her victory not only shatters glass ceilings but also reaffirms the growing influence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics and the nation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
