Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has won the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race, making her the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the United States. Her victory over Republican John Reid was projected by multiple news outlets on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The Associated Press called the race for Hashmi at 8:27 p.m. EST, confirming her defeat of Reid, a former conservative talk show host and the state’s first gay statewide nominee. Hashmi, currently a state senator representing a district south of Richmond, will now assume the lieutenant governor’s role. Her win contributes to Democratic gains in Virginia’s 2025 elections, alongside gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger’s success. This outcome underscores the shifting political dynamics in a key battleground state.
Before entering politics, Hashmi worked as a college professor in Virginia, bringing an academic perspective to public service. She first won elected office in 2019 by flipping a Republican-held state Senate seat, which helped Democrats take control of the chamber. In that initial campaign, she cited the Trump administration’s Muslim ban as a key motivator, highlighting her commitment to civil rights and inclusion. Her election to the Senate made her the first Muslim and Indian American in that body, setting the stage for her historic statewide run.
As lieutenant governor, Hashmi will preside over the state Senate and have the authority to break ties, a critical function given the Democrats’ narrow 20-19 majority in the chamber with her seat now vacant. This role has historically served as a springboard for gubernatorial bids in Virginia, where governors are barred from serving consecutive terms. Current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican, previously leveraged the office to advance her political career, illustrating its potential for higher office aspirations.
Hashmi’s opponent, John Reid, centered his campaign on cultural issues, including education and transgender students, aligning with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s parents’ rights platform. Reid also announced plans to assist laid-off federal workers and pledged to uphold Virginia’s Right to Work law, which prohibits mandatory union membership. Despite his frequent attacks and claims that Hashmi was avoiding debates, the two never participated in a face-to-face moderated event, leading Reid to debate an AI representation of her in October—a unusual twist in modern campaigning.
Hashmi secured the Democratic nomination in June after a crowded primary with five challengers, narrowly winning with 28% of the vote. She campaigned jointly with Spanberger and attorney general candidate Jay Jones, though she condemned Jones’ violent text messages when they emerged, demonstrating her ability to navigate party tensions. Throughout the general election, she largely disregarded Reid’s provocations, focusing instead on her policy agenda and grassroots outreach, which resonated with diverse voter blocs.
Virginia is one of 17 states where lieutenant governors are elected separately from governors, and it has been two decades since different parties won these offices. Hashmi’s election, combined with Spanberger’s win in the governor’s race, indicates a robust Democratic performance in the state, potentially influencing national political trends. Her victory sets a new precedent for representation, as she is the first Indian American to hold statewide office in Virginia, breaking barriers for underrepresented communities.
Looking forward, Hashmi’s role will be essential in a potentially divided government, where her tie-breaking vote could shape legislation on issues like healthcare and education. Her historic achievement is likely to encourage greater political engagement among Muslim and South Asian communities, fostering broader participation in democracy. She has committed to opposing the Trump administration and advancing progressive initiatives, positioning her as a influential figure in Virginia’s future political landscape.