Indian-origin Ghazala Hashmi has been elected as Virginia's new Lieutenant Governor. She is the first Muslim and South Asian American woman to achieve this position. Ghazala has long worked on issues such as education, health, and social justice.
America: Indian-origin Ghazala Hashmi has made history by winning the election for Virginia's Lieutenant Governor. She is the first Muslim and South Asian American woman to serve in the Virginia Senate. Following her victory, a special election will be held for her Senate seat. Ghazala Hashmi has been active for a long time in fields such as education and health, and she has always focused on work that can contribute to improving people's lives.
Election Victory
Democrat candidate Ghazala Hashmi secured this victory by defeating Republican candidate John Reid. She represents Virginia's 15th Senatorial District. Her victory is also considered significant because she had previously won elections in an area that was traditionally dominated by Republicans. Now, after becoming Lieutenant Governor, a special election will be held for her former Senate seat.
Beginning of Political Journey
Ghazala Hashmi entered politics in 2019. At that time, she secured an unexpected victory, turning a Republican-controlled seat in her favor and becoming a member of the Virginia General Assembly. Subsequently, in 2024, she was appointed Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in advancing primary Democratic issues such as reproductive freedom and public education.
Focus on Public Issues
According to Ghazala Hashmi's official website, her efforts have always been focused on improving people's lives. She has consistently paid attention to issues related to reducing inequality in areas such as housing, education, healthcare, and environmental justice. Her objective has been to implement policies within the social structure that align with the needs of common people.
Journey from Hyderabad to America
Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad in 1964 to Zia Hashmi and Tanvir Hashmi. She spent her childhood in the Malakpet area of Hyderabad at her maternal grandparents' house. She was only four years old when she moved to America with her mother and elder brother to live with her father in Georgia.
Family Background
Ghazala's father, Zia Hashmi, was a student at Aligarh Muslim University, where he completed his MA and LLB. Subsequently, he earned a PhD in International Relations from the University of South Carolina and began his career there as a teacher. He later retired from the position of Director of the Center for International Studies. Her mother, Tanvir Hashmi, holds a BA and BEd, and studied at Osmania University's Women's College.
Education and Academic Career
Ghazala Hashmi earned her BA from Georgia Southern University. She then completed her PhD in American Literature from Emory University in Atlanta. In 1991, she moved to the Richmond area with her husband, Azhar Rafiq. They have two daughters.
She worked in the education sector for nearly thirty years. Initially, she was a professor at the University of Richmond and later taught at Reynolds Community College. At Reynolds Community College, she also served as the Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
Her journey from professor to politics progressed gradually. She worked on subjects such as administration, educational reform, and community development. These efforts earned her recognition in society and later strengthened her political path.
