Ghazala Hashmi wins Democratic primary for Virginia LG

India-born Hashmi made history in 2019 as the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected to the Virginia Senate

By Arun Kumar 

Indian American Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi has secured the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in a competitive primary race.

“Tonight, Virginians made history,” declared India-born Hashmi, who in 2019 became the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected to the Virginia Senate, after her victory in the June 17 primary.

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Hashmi shot ahead after running neck-and-neck with former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney and fellow State Senator Aaron Rouse through much of the vote count through tense.

“We didn’t just win a primary, we sent a clear message that we won’t be bullied, broken, or dragged backward by the chaos in Washington,” she stated on X.

“I’m honored to stand alongside Abigail Spanberger, Jay Jones, and our Democratic ticket to fight for the future of this Commonwealth,” Hashmi added stressing her alignment  with gubernatorial candidate Spanberger and attorney general candidate Jones.

“This campaign is about the people. The working parents worried about affording childcare, the families struggling to find an affordable place to live, and the Virginians wondering who is fighting for them,” she stated. “I’ve spent my life pushing for fully funded public schools, defending reproductive rights, fighting to protect Medicaid, and taking on those who try to block progress.”

Thanking her supporters, she vowed to “stand on the front lines to protect Virginia from extremism, and I will lead the charge to build something better.”

Hashmi who came to the United States at the age of four graduated from Georgia Southern University, and received a PhD in American literature from Emory University.

Hashmi and her husband, Azhar, have lived in the Richmond area since 1991. She spent nearly three decades teaching, first at the University of Richmond and later at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Congratulating Hashmi on her victory, Indian American Impact Fund, the leading community political advocacy group noted it had invested $100,000 in her primary campaign “as part of its commitment to supporting barrier-breaking candidates.”

“Senator Ghazala Hashmi’s victory is a testament to her exceptional leadership, deep commitment to public service, and the broad coalition of Virginians who believe in her vision,” Chintan Patel, Indian American Impact Fund’s Executive Director, stated.

“As the first Muslim and first South Asian member of the Virginia State Senate, Senator Hashmi has broken barriers while delivering meaningful results for working families across the Commonwealth” he noted.

“An immigrant, educator, and tireless advocate, she has led on some of the most pressing issues of our time — from reproductive freedom and public education to housing equity and healthcare access.”

“Her historic 2019 victory, which flipped a Republican-held seat and helped Democrats take control of the State Senate, proved that she is a unifier who can bring diverse communities together around shared values,” Patel stated. “Hashmi stands ready to defend our values, fight back against MAGA extremism, and ensure that Virginia remains a beacon of inclusivity, equity, and progress.”

Patel expressed confidence that “Hashmi will bring the same passion and determination to the role of Lieutenant Governor, and we look forward to supporting her through the general election and beyond.”