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Ghazala Hashmi declares victory in Virginia Lt. Governor race
After a tight race, she vowed to fight extremism and stand with working families, educators, and Democrats statewide.
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 18, Jun 2025
- 00:10 EDT
- 12
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi / Facebook
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi on June 18 declared victory in Virginia’s Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, securing the party’s nomination in a closely watched race.
“I’m honored to be our Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor,” Hashmi wrote on X shortly after polls closed.
The declaration followed a tense primary night, with Hashmi running neck-and-neck with former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney and fellow State Senator Aaron Rouse through much of the vote count.
In a formal statement, she said, “Tonight, Virginians made history. 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.”
Hashmi, who was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2019, stressed her alignment with the broader Democratic ticket, including gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and attorney general candidate Jay Jones.
“I'm honored to stand alongside Abigail Spanberger, Jay Jones, and our Democratic ticket to fight for the future of this Commonwealth,” she said.
I’m honored to be our Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. pic.twitter.com/Ly3BkSSBAv
— Senator Hashmi (@SenatorHashmi) June 18, 2025
Hashmi framed her campaign as rooted in the needs of working Virginians. “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 said.
She highlighted her record on education, healthcare, and reproductive rights. “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,” she said. “I will stand on the front lines to protect Virginia from extremism, and I will lead the charge to build something better.”
She also thanked supporters, saying, “Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind this campaign and I'm ready to fight alongside you and win this November.”
ALSO READ: Ghazala Hashmi endorsed by progressive groups for Lt. Governor
Hashmi made history in 2019 as the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected to the Virginia Senate. Born in India, she moved to the United States at the age of four. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, earned her bachelor’s degree 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.
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