Wed Nov 05 05:25:08 UTC 2025: Summary:
Ghazala Hashmi, an Indian-born American Democrat, has been elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. This marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold the position. Hashmi secured a decisive victory over her Republican opponent with 54.2% of the vote. A dedicated advocate for inclusive values and social justice, she has focused on issues like education, voting rights, reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, the environment, housing, and healthcare. The Indian American Impact Fund invested significantly in her campaign, recognizing her potential to break barriers. Hashmi’s victory is celebrated as a landmark moment for representation and progress in Virginia. She’s a former educator who previously served in the Virginia State Senate.
News Article:
Historic Win: Ghazala Hashmi Becomes Virginia’s First Muslim and South Asian American Lieutenant Governor
New York – November 5, 2025 – In a landmark victory, Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has been elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, making her the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold the position. Hashmi secured a decisive win with 1,465,634 votes (54.2%), surpassing Republican rival John Reid’s 1,232,242 votes, with 79% of the votes counted.
Hashmi’s election is being celebrated as a milestone for diversity and representation in Virginia politics. “This is a landmark moment for the community, Commonwealth and democracy,” stated Chintan Patel, Executive Director of the Indian American Impact Fund, which invested significantly in Hashmi’s campaign.
Hashmi, an experienced educator and former State Senator, ran on a platform focused on public education, voting rights, reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, environmental protection, affordable housing, and healthcare access. Her victory in 2019, where she flipped a Republican-held seat, foreshadowed her continued success.
“Tonight she’s made history again as Virginia’s first South Asian American and Muslim Lieutenant Governor,” the Indian American Impact Fund said in a statement. “Impact was proud to support her from the very beginning because we knew what was at stake: protecting our rights, defending our communities from MAGA extremism, and expanding opportunity for all who call Virginia home.”
Hashmi emigrated to the U.S. from India at the age of four. She holds a PhD in American Literature and spent nearly 30 years as a professor. She is married and resides in the Richmond area. Her commitment to social justice and her track record of advocacy promise to make her a impactful Lieutenant Governor.
First Piper 