Senator Ghazala Hashmi has secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in Virginia, making history as both the first Muslim and the first Indian-American to be nominated for a statewide position in the Commonwealth. She narrowly defeated Levar Stoney and four other contenders in a primary race that was decided by less than one percent of the vote. Stoney offered his congratulations shortly after conceding.
Hashmi is set to face off against Republican John Reid in the general election this November. Reid, a conservative radio personality, is also breaking ground as the first openly gay man endorsed by a major party for statewide office in Virginia. He became the GOP nominee unopposed after his only rival dropped out.
This development completes the Democratic ticket for the upcoming election, alongside Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor, and Jay Jones, the nominee for attorney general. In a joint statement, the trio expressed a shared commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to Virginians.
The 2025 Virginia election is shaping up to be a landmark event. With Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears — both women — leading the gubernatorial race, the state is poised to elect its first female governor in over two centuries. Earle-Sears became the Republican nominee after her challengers failed to qualify for the ballot.
Hashmi’s candidacy brings additional historical weight to the election. She first gained prominence by defeating a Republican incumbent in 2019 to join the Virginia Senate, becoming its first Muslim woman and South Asian American member. She has since built a strong legislative record, including sponsoring a bill to protect access to contraception — a measure that passed both houses but was later vetoed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Originally from India, Hashmi immigrated to the U.S. at age four. A scholar by training, she holds a PhD in American literature and has spent much of her career teaching in Virginia’s colleges. Now, her political journey may lead to yet another groundbreaking role — as Virginia’s next lieutenant governor.
