Virginia, USA — The spotlight on Zahran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s new mayor has somewhat overshadowed another groundbreaking win in American politics. In Virginia, Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has been elected as the state’s Lieutenant Governor, defeating Republican candidate John Reid.
Her running mate, Abigail Speenberg, also made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Governor of Virginia. Together, their victory marks a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.
Hashmi, who previously became the first Muslim and South Asian American woman elected to the Virginia Senate in 2019, has steadily risen through the ranks of state politics. In 2024, she was chosen to chair the Senate Education and Health Committee, reflecting the confidence of her Democratic colleagues.
Early Life and Education
Born in Hyderabad, India, in 1964, Ghazala Hashmi moved to Georgia with her family at the age of four. Her father, Zia Hashmi, pursued a PhD in international relations, while her mother, Tanveer Hashmi, was an educator. Growing up in a small college town during the end of racial segregation in schools, she witnessed firsthand the importance of dialogue and inclusion in building stronger communities.
Hashmi excelled academically, earning a BA with honors from Georgia Southern University and later a PhD in American literature from Emory University. She went on to spend nearly three decades in higher education, teaching at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College, where she also founded the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Political Journey
Her entry into politics came in 2019, when she won a closely watched Senate race in a traditionally Republican district. That victory gave Democrats a majority in the Virginia Senate for the first time in years. Since then, she has been recognized as a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and social equity.
Reactions and Significance
Following her win, Hashmi thanked supporters, saying: “Together we have created a new historical path.”
Her victory has drawn praise from across the political and cultural spectrum. Former U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated Democratic candidates nationwide, calling the results a reminder that “when we come together around leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win.”
Indian journalist Rana Ayyub described Hashmi’s success as a “historic day,” while Telangana MLA K.T. Rama Rao celebrated the achievement with the words:
“From Malakpet to Virginia, this is a big win. There is nothing more beautiful than when democracies celebrate diversity.”
With her election, Ghazala Hashmi has not only broken barriers in Virginia but also added to the growing influence of Indian‑origin leaders in American politics.