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Ghazala Hashmi Wins Virginia Lieutenant Governor Race, A First for a Muslim Woman in U.S. Statewide Office

The lieutenant governor-elect will preside over a closely split Senate where Democrats hold a 21–19 advantage.

Overview

  • Hashmi defeated Republican John Reid with roughly 55.2% to 44.5% of the vote, according to Associated Press tallies.
  • Her victory marks the first time a Muslim woman has been elected to statewide office in the United States and the first Indian American to win statewide office in Virginia.
  • As president of the Senate, she will hold tie-breaking power in a chamber Democrats currently control 21–19.
  • Her elevation vacates her state Senate seat representing the Richmond area, requiring a special election to fill it.
  • In post-election remarks, she cited immediate priorities including responding to the federal shutdown and benefit cuts and advancing education goals such as universal pre-K.