Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi Launches Lieutenant Governor Bid with Anti-Trump Platform
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi announced her candidacy for Virginia Lieutenant Governor on a platform centered on resisting Trump administration policies, protecting reproductive rights, and defending public education. The Democratic primary candidate, who made history as the first Muslim and South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate, outlined her vision at a Lake Barcroft meet-and-greet on May 20, positioning herself as a seasoned legislator ready to combat what she calls "Trump 2.0."
Hashmi, 60, is competing against five other Democrats in the June 17 primary. Early voting is already underway, and satellite voting begins June 7 at locations including the Mason Government Center and Thomas Jefferson Library. The primary winner will face Republican candidate John Reid in the November general election.
From Professor to Political Pioneer
Hashmi's political journey began as an unlikely transformation from academia to activism. Before Trump's 2016 election, she described herself as "a mild-mannered English professor" at Reynolds Community College in Richmond. However, Trump's victory fundamentally altered her perspective on civic engagement.
"The election of Donald Trump challenged every idea I had about what it means to be an American, about the principles and values of our American democracy," Hashmi told supporters at the Lake Barcroft gathering.
As an immigrant born in India and a practicing Muslim, Hashmi felt personally threatened by Trump's proposed Muslim ban and registry of Muslims in the United States. "We know the tragic history of the 20th century and what those kinds of impulses lead to, and I just felt so devastated when I heard that," she recalled.
This personal connection to the issues drove her decision to enter politics. "I decided I couldn't be that mild-mannered English professor anymore," she said. "Actually, there's nothing mild-mannered about English teachers. We're teaching the books that other people are trying to ban."
Historic Senate Victory and Legislative Impact
Despite initial discouragement from political advisors who suggested she let more experienced candidates run, Hashmi launched her first political campaign for the Virginia Senate in 2019. Her victory proved transformative, as she flipped a district that had been in Republican hands for nearly 40 years, defeating an incumbent Republican by 10 points.
This single victory had far-reaching consequences for Virginia politics. Hashmi's win gave Democrats a one-seat majority in the Senate, enabling passage of significant progressive legislation, including the Equal Rights Amendment, voting rights legislation, gun safety measures, and environmental protections.
"We also passed the Reproductive Healthcare Act that continues to protect Virginia's women despite what all the other Southern states have done," Hashmi emphasized. "That's the power of one seat."
Current Legislative Leadership and Priorities
Since taking office in 2020, Hashmi has represented Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Powhatan County in the Virginia Senate and currently chairs the Senate Committee on Education and Health. Her legislative focus encompasses many progressive priorities, including public education, voting rights, democracy preservation, reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, environmental issues, housing, and affordable healthcare access.
During the 2024 legislative session, Hashmi demonstrated her commitment to reproductive rights by introducing multiple pieces of legislation. She patroned the Right to Contraception Act (SB237) with Delegate Marcia 'Cia' Price and the Contraceptive Equity Act (SB238) with Delegate Candi Mundon King, citing concerns about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's statements regarding reconsidering past rulings on contraception access.
Hashmi supported constitutional amendments establishing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom within Virginia's Constitution (SJ1/HJ1), legislation that will be heard in 2025.
Campaign Platform: Resistance and Protection
Hashmi's lieutenant governor campaign centers on what she characterizes as necessary resistance to Trump administration policies. "I'm running for lieutenant governor for many of the same reasons I ran before," she explained. "We now have Trump 2.0, and it's worse than the first time. He is smarter, has more villainous creatures around him, and they're already doing such damage."
"If Virginia is going to be able to protect its healthcare and education programs, protect civil rights, and protect vulnerable communities, we have to have an executive team in place that's readyto fight that fight.
The candidate emphasized the current climate of fear among immigrant communities, noting that "so many people I know are carrying documents with them to prove their identity, to prove that they're here legitimately, that they are citizens." She declared, "This is not the America that I know and love."
Endorsements and Political Support
Hashmi has secured significant endorsements from reproductive rights organizations and labor unions, making her "the only candidate endorsed by both abortion rights groups and labor unions," according to her campaign materials. Her endorsers include former Planned Parenthood directors and progressive legislators who praise her unwavering commitment to key Democratic priorities.
One endorser, a former Director of Primary Care at Planned Parenthood, stated: "When Youngkin vetoed her bill to protect access to contraception, Ghazala didn't back down–she sponsored it again. That's why she's the only candidate endorsed by reproductive rights groups."
Campaign Fundraising and Competition
According to Virginia Public Access Project data, Hashmi has raised $1,056,688 for her lieutenant governor campaign, positioning her competitively within the Democratic field. Her fundraising totals place her behind frontrunners Aaron Rouse ($1,185,215) and Levar Stoney ($1,404,997), but ahead of other candidates including Babur Lateef ($970,265), Victor Salgado ($203,998), and Alex Bastani ($134,137).
Vision for the Lieutenant Governor Role
Hashmi envisions the lieutenant governor position as more than its traditional role of presiding over the state Senate and casting tie-breaking votes. She sees it as a full-time commitment that involves extensive community engagement and strategic collaboration between the executive branch and the General Assembly.
"I have seen what works and how we can build better structures so our executive team is working closely with the General Assembly," she explained. "This is an opportunity for us to make consequential progress."
Her experience as Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee provides her with what she describes as "more relevant experience than her opponents combined" for the lieutenant governor's primary role as President of the Senate.
National and Regional Leadership
Beyond state-level politics, Hashmi has established herself as a regional leader through her involvement with the Council of State Governments (Southern), which provides her with insights into policy work beyond Virginia's borders. Given current federal funding uncertainties and the need for strong state-level leadership, she views this national perspective as crucial.
"Given the current landscape of federal agencies and funding, it is crucial for Virginia to have strong and effective leadership at the state level," she emphasized.
Educational Background and Community Engagement
Hashmi's background as an educator at Reynolds Community College exposed her to Virginia's diverse communities, including students, adults, returning veterans, and new immigrants. This classroom experience, which she describes as "a microcosm of Virginia's diverse communities," influenced her decision to enter politics after witnessing the challenges her students faced during Trump's first term.
Her commitment to education extends beyond her professional background to her legislative priorities. As chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, she has championed funding for public schools and support for educators while advocating for economic stability and job security.
Primary and General Election Strategy
With the Democratic primary scheduled for June 17, Hashmi faces a competitive field of six candidates vying for the nomination. The winner will advance to face Republican John Reid in the November general election, setting up a contest that could significantly impact Virginia's political direction
Hashmi's campaign strategy focuses on mobilizing voters around resistance to Trump policies while emphasizing her legislative experience and established relationships within the Virginia government. If elected, she has committed to holding regular town halls and community forums throughout Virginia, including rural areas.
The Stakes for Virginia
Hashmi frames her candidacy within the broader context of Virginia's role as a potential bulwark against federal policies she opposes. "This is an opportunity to send a loud signal to Washington that Virginia is going to stand firm to put up that resistance to Washington," she declared.
The lieutenant governor's race is particularly significant as a potential stepping stone to higher office. Former governors Ralph Northam, Tim Kaine, Doug Wilder, and Chuck Robb all held the position before advancing to the executive mansion.
As Virginia voters prepare for the June primary, Hashmi's candidacy represents a continuation of the progressive activism that first brought her to politics in response to Trump's 2016 election. Her campaign embodies the transformation from academic observer to political participant, reflecting broader changes in American civic engagement during an era of heightened political polarization.
The outcome of the Democratic primary will determine whether Hashmi's message of resistance and protection resonates with Virginia voters. This could potentially position her for a November showdown that could shape the Commonwealth's response to federal policies for years to come.