Indian American Ghazala Hashmi Makes History Winning Democratic Nomination for Virginia Lieutenant Governor

Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor Wednesday, becoming the first Muslim and first Indian-American nominated for statewide office in Virginia history, but her path to the general election may be complicated by concerns within the Jewish community over her record on Israel-related issues.

Hashmi secured the nomination in an exceptionally tight race, defeating former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney by less than a percentage point. With roughly 481,000 votes counted, Hashmi captured 27.49% compared to Stoney’s 26.65%, according to the Associated Press and Virginia Mercury reports. State Sen. Aaron Rouse of Virginia Beach finished a close third with 26.16%.

The razor-thin margin reflects the competitive nature of a primary that featured six Democratic candidates vying for the second-highest office in Virginia. Stoney conceded Wednesday and congratulated Hashmi on her victory.

Historic Breakthrough and Challenges Ahead

Hashmi’s nomination represents a significant milestone for Muslim representation in Virginia politics. The Indian-born academic, who emigrated to Georgia at age four and later earned a doctorate in American literature, became the first Muslim woman elected to Virginia’s Senate in 2019 when she defeated Republican incumbent Glen Sturtevant.

“Tonight, Virginians made history,” Hashmi said in her victory statement. “We didn’t just win a primary, we sent a clear message that we won’t be bullied, broken, or dragged backward by the chaos in Washington.”

Her victory completes the Democratic ticket alongside gubernatorial nominee Rep. Abigail Spanberger and attorney general nominee Jay Jones. The trio issued a joint statement Wednesday emphasizing their unity on issues important to Virginia voters.

However, Hashmi’s candidacy faces scrutiny that reflects broader tensions within the Democratic coalition over Middle East policy. According to Jewish Insider reporting, some Jewish community leaders have privately raised concerns about her record on Israel and antisemitism legislation.

Controversial Record on Israel-Related Issues

The concerns center on several specific incidents. In 2021, Hashmi spoke at an anti-Israel protest during a previous Hamas-Israel conflict, where participants condemned ties between Israel and Virginia. Hashmi told Jewish Insider she attended after constituents asked her to call for a ceasefire and made “general comments” hoping for a resolution before leaving early.

More recently, Hashmi abstained from voting on two bills that passed unanimously in the Virginia Senate. The first adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism for combating hate crimes. The second prohibited discrimination by ethnic origin in employment and public accommodations.

According to Jewish Insider, Hashmi worked behind the scenes to lobby colleagues not to vote on the IHRA legislation, which defines certain criticisms of Israel as antisemitic. Hashmi defended her approach, saying her party engaged in “frank and open caucus discussions” about the bills.

For Democrats, Hashmi’s nomination tests whether concerns about her Israel-related positions will affect voter turnout or provide ammunition for Republican attacks in a competitive swing state.

The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond also criticized Hashmi’s handling of a state Senate hearing on campus anti-Israel protests, saying they were “extremely disappointed” that Jewish organizations weren’t notified in advance and that Jewish community members required Capitol Police escorts to leave safely.

Defending Her Record

In response to the criticisms, Hashmi emphasized her commitment to fighting all forms of bigotry. “The threats of antisemitism and Islamophobia are serious,” she told Jewish Insider. “They are hate crimes, and all of us need to be fighting very aggressively and openly to address these issues of bigotry that just harm and divide our communities.”

Sam Richardson, who leads the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Jewish Community Relations Committee, said the groups “have a longstanding relationship with” Hashmi and “appreciate her willingness to engage in dialogue, even as there are issues upon which we strongly disagree.”

Progressive Coalition and General Election

Despite these concerns, Hashmi built a strong progressive coalition that powered her to victory. According to RVA Magazine, she won 58% of Richmond votes compared to Stoney’s 20%, drawing support from groups like Virginia New Majority, Equality Virginia, and the Virginia Education Association.

Her campaign emphasized progressive priorities including transgender rights, reproductive access, and union support. She joined Starbucks workers on picket lines in December and has championed legislation on contraception rights that was vetoed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Hashmi now faces Republican John Reid in November’s general election. Reid, a conservative talk-radio host, became the first openly gay man to receive a major party endorsement for statewide office in Virginia after his primary opponent withdrew from the race.

The matchup ensures Virginia will make history regardless of the outcome, with either the first Muslim lieutenant governor or the first openly gay person to hold statewide office.

National Implications

Virginia’s off-year elections typically draw national attention as a bellwether for future political trends, particularly ahead of the 2026 midterms. This year’s races carry additional historical significance, as the gubernatorial contest between Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears guarantees Virginia’s first female governor in the state’s 250-year history.

For Democrats, Hashmi’s nomination tests whether concerns about her Israel-related positions will affect voter turnout or provide ammunition for Republican attacks in a competitive swing state. Some pro-Israel Democrats worry her record could complicate Spanberger’s gubernatorial campaign by forcing the moderate former congresswoman to address controversial positions of a ticketmate.

Ben Tribbett, a Democratic political consultant in Virginia, told Jewish Insider that downballot statewide primaries are historically “very volatile until the end,” noting he “could make a strong case for any of the three main candidates becoming the nominee.”

As Hashmi faces these challenges, her supporters emphasize her broader record of legislative accomplishments and coalition-building. City Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch, who attended Hashmi’s victory party, praised “the broad coalition that she’s built” representing “legislators, policymakers, and community members.”

The November election will test whether Hashmi’s historic candidacy and progressive appeal can overcome concerns about her positions on Israel-related issues in a state where Jewish voters, while a small percentage of the electorate, have traditionally been reliable Democratic supporters.