Democrat Ghazala Hashmi defeated Republican writer and conservative talk show host John Reid in the race for Virginia lieutenant governor on Tuesday, becoming the first South Asian to hold state office in the state and the first Muslim woman elected to state office in the United States.
Hashmi maintained a steady lead over Reid throughout the campaign, although the polls tightened in the final days before Election Day. He obtained 747,773 votes (53.8 percent) against 659,421 (46.4 percent) for his Republican rival.
In early June, Hashmi narrowly clinched the Democratic nomination, defeating former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and state Sen. Aaron Rouse in a close primary.
Hashmi, a member of the party’s progressive wing, had strong support from prominent figures such as Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, who endorsed her during the primary campaign.
Born in Hyderabad, India, Hashmi moved to the United States in her youth and later earned a doctorate in English from Emory University. He began his career in academia, teaching English for more than two decades at Virginia community colleges before turning to politics.
Her election to the state Senate in 2019 marked her as the first Muslim woman to serve in the Virginia legislature, a milestone she has now extended to statewide office.
Hashmi’s victory is seen as a significant moment for Virginia Democrats and for the growing political presence of South Asian Americans and Muslims across the United States.
Democrats secure Virginia governor’s race
Meanwhile, Democrat Abigail Spanberger also defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the race for Virginia governor. NBC News projected, changing control of the state and making Spanberger the first woman to serve as governor of Virginia.
Spanberger, a former congressman and CIA officer, maintained a steady lead over Earle-Sears for most of the campaign, fueled by strong fundraising and strong support in the state’s suburban counties. His victory gives Democrats a significant boost as they seek to regain their political standing following their losses in the 2024 national elections.
Virginia was one of two states, along with New Jersey, to hold the first gubernatorial election of US President Donald Trump’s second term.
Spanberger, 47, focused his campaign largely on economic and affordability issues, as well as public safety and his support for abortion rights. Her campaign and allied groups attacked Earle-Sears for her conservative record on social issues and her loyalty to Trump.
Earle-Sears, 61, struggled for much of the race to find a coherent message.
More to follow
