💨 Abstract

On June 18, 2025, Senator Ghazala Hashmi, a Muslim and Indian-American, secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in Virginia, marking a historic first. She will face John Reid, the first openly gay Republican nominee for the position. Hashmi's victory follows her previous electoral milestones as the first Muslim woman and first South Asian American in the Virginia Senate. Virginia’s off-year elections are seen as a national bellwether ahead of midterm elections.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff