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Ghazala Hashmi Wins Virginia Lt. Governor Race, First Muslim-American Woman Elected Statewide in U.S.

The result positions her to preside over a narrowly divided 21–19 Senate with tie-breaking power.

Overview

  • Hashmi defeated Republican John Reid with roughly 55.2% to 44.5% of the vote, according to the Associated Press.
  • As lieutenant governor, she will preside over the Virginia Senate and can break ties in the closely split chamber.
  • Her elevation vacates her state Senate seat, which will be filled in a special election.
  • She is scheduled to take office on Jan. 17, 2026, alongside Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, succeeding Winsome Earle-Sears.
  • In post-election remarks, she emphasized priorities including public education, reproductive freedom, affordable housing and responding to federal shutdown impacts on Medicaid and SNAP.