Ghazala Hashmi becomes first Indian-origin and first Muslim woman elected as Virginia's lieutenant governor
Born in Hyderabad, India, Hashmi moved to the United States at the age of four and grew up in Georgia. She earned her PhD in American literature and spent much of her professional life teaching
Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has made history by becoming the first Indian-origin and first Muslim woman to be elected as lieutenant governor of the US state of Virginia, defeating Republican candidate John Reid in Tuesday's election.
According to a report by the Times of India, Hashmi's victory marks a major milestone in Virginia's political history, as she becomes the first Indian American and first Muslim to hold a statewide office in the state.
A former college professor, Hashmi secured the Democratic nomination earlier this year after winning a competitive primary in June. As lieutenant governor, she will preside over the Virginia State Senate, which remains narrowly divided with Democrats holding a 21-19 seat advantage. The lieutenant governor also holds the power to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
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Hashmi's election means her Senate seat will now be filled through a special election. Meanwhile, former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican lieutenant governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who failed to receive an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and was significantly outspent by Spanberger.
Virginia was among two states - along with New Jersey - holding gubernatorial elections on Tuesday. Voters also selected a new mayor for New York City, while Californians voted on a new congressional map expected to boost Democratic prospects in next year's midterm elections.
Born in Hyderabad, India, Hashmi moved to the United States at the age of four and grew up in Georgia. She earned her PhD in American literature and spent much of her professional life teaching, including positions at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College, before entering politics.
In 2019, Hashmi was first elected to the Virginia Senate after defeating Republican incumbent Glen Sturtevant in a closely contested race. She was re-elected in 2023 and has since been an outspoken advocate for reproductive rights.
Among her key legislative efforts was a bill to safeguard Virginians' access to contraception - a measure that successfully passed both chambers of the legislature but was later vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
