Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi has been projected as the winner of the lieutenant governor election, marking a significant milestone as the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in U.S. history.
Decision Desk HQ announced the projection, stating, “DecisionMade: 7:29 pm ET,” following her defeat of Republican candidate John Reid. Hashmi’s victory comes amid a competitive race where both candidates focused on policy issues rather than the historical implications of their campaigns.
Hashmi, a member of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, campaigned against President Donald Trump’s policies and advocated for increased funding for public education. Reid, a former conservative talk radio host, emphasized tax cuts, business-friendly regulations, and opposing transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
The race saw narrowing polls as Election Day approached, though Hashmi maintained an edge throughout the general election. She previously secured her Democratic nomination in June by defeating former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and state Sen. Aaron Rouse. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) supported her during the primary.
Virginia also saw its first woman governor elected in a two-candidate contest between former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, with Spanberger projected as the winner.