Ghazala Hashmi's Groundbreaking Campaign, How Virginia Elected Its First Muslim Woman Lieutenant Governor
Ghazala Hashmi became the first Muslim woman to run for Virginia lieutenant governor through a detailed campaign focused on economic issues, educational support, healthcare access, and fighting bigotry, according to The Times of India and VPM News. Her campaign strategy to support diverse groups and directly connect with immigrant and minority communities resulted in her primary win and her historic victory in the general election against Republican John Reid.
Messaging that Resonated, Kitchen Table Issues, and Care
Hashmi based her campaign on “kitchen table” issues, including rising expenses, healthcare access, affordable housing, quality education, and job development. In her own words: “Virginia workers know nobody is working harder for them. As lieutenant governor, I will continue my fight to increase wages, protect affordable health care, and create opportunities for all families to thrive. ” The candidate focused on three main issues during her campaign: defending Medicaid and reproductive freedom, and ensuring excellent public education. Voting rights should exist for democracy to thrive.
A Strong Record and Legislative Experience
Hashmi dedicated her six years as a state senator to passing laws on reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and affordable health care, and to establishing herself as a committed advocate. In interviews, she cited her work advancing the Right to Contraception Act, resisting efforts to dismantle public education, and supporting progressive causes as proof she was “ready to make policy that will make Virginia an example for other states” (VPM News interview).
Building Unprecedented Community Coalitions
Political analysts and community leaders believe Hashmi built his historic cross-community alliance among South Asian, Black, and immigrant communities in Virginia through his inclusive grassroots approach. According to Moneycontrol and The Dawn, she achieved “unanimous agreement” among Indian and Pakistani Americans—an unusual feat in Virginia politics. The campaign team included multilingual volunteers who organized outreach events at mosques, gurdwaras, churches, and local businesses to reach voters who typically do not participate in statewide elections.
Massive Fundraising and High-Level Endorsements
Hashmi ran a well-funded campaign that raised $3 million in donations before October 2025 and secured a historic $1 million contribution from the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association. The Indian American Impact Fund donated $175,000 to fund an extensive voter mobilization program. Multiple national and state organizations dedicated to reproductive rights, gun safety, and immigrant advocacy sent their support. “As the first Muslim and first South Asian member of the Virginia State Senate, Senator Hashmi has broken barriers while delivering meaningful results for working families,” Indian American Impact Fund Executive Director Chintan Patel said in June 2025.
Handling Controversies and Remaining Above the Fray
The campaign remained disciplined because Hashmi adopted a restrained approach, avoiding negative campaigning. The Democratic leaders viewed the AI-generated Hashmi as a “shoddy gimmick” when her opponent used it for an unconventional debate after she stayed away from the event (WUSA9, CBS affiliate). Hashmi’s team dedicated their efforts to building voter connections through direct grassroots fieldwork.
A Historic General Election and Beyond
Hashmi won the primary election with 28% of the vote before securing a decisive victory in the general election. The Democratic Party received backing from multiple communities in Virginia, which led numerous news organizations to declare her victory a historic achievement.
“I have a track record with regard to the issues Virginians care about—education, health care, housing and opportunity. I am ready to make policy that will make Virginia an example for other states.”
— Ghazala Hashmi, VPM News, October 2025