Ghazala Hashmi, a Democratic candidate born in Hyderabad, is currently leading in Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor race, according to recent polling data. The Washington Post-Schar School poll, conducted via telephone between October 16 and 20, shows Hashmi ahead of Republican opponent John Reid by seven points, an increase from her four-point lead in September.
Ghazala Hashmi Holds 7-Point Advantage Over Republican Rival
Ghazala Hashmi, 61, who immigrated to the United States at age four with her mother and older brother, currently serves as a Virginia State Senator. The November 4 election could make her Virginia’s first Muslim and Asian-American lieutenant governor.
Campaign Focus and Cross-Community Support
Her campaign platform emphasizes education, healthcare, voting rights, gun violence prevention, climate change, housing, and affordable healthcare access. These priorities resonate strongly with South Asian communities, including both Indian and Pakistani-American voters.
“Her being of Indian origin is of little consequence for us,” Pakistani-origin voter Faiz Rahman told Dawn newspaper, reflecting broader sentiment among diverse constituents.
Shopkeeper Kuldip Singh stated: “And not because she is an Indian. I would vote for her because she is a Democrat—and Democrats are good for immigrants.”
Hassan, an NGO worker from Washington, told Dawn: “People like Ghazala remind us that this country belongs to everyone willing to work for it.”
Historic Political Background
Ghazala Hashmi made history in 2019 as the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected to the Virginia Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Glen Sturtevant. She secured the Democratic Lieutenant Governor nomination in June after defeating five other candidates.
Her nearly three-decade teaching career at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College features prominently in campaign messaging. A 30-second advertisement highlights this experience, with a supporter stating: “Ghazala fought for guys like me, expanding apprenticeships and technical training so we can get good paying jobs, whether you go to college or not.”
Debate Controversy
Reid, a conservative talk show host, recently staged a 40-minute YouTube debate against an AI-generated version of Hashmi after she declined to participate in traditional debates. Hashmi campaign spokesperson Ava Pitruzzello called the AI debate a “desperate move,” while the Democratic Party of Virginia dismissed it as “shoddy gimmicks and dirty tricks.”
