Washington, Nov 5:
Ghazala Hashmi, an Indian-origin Democratic leader born in Hyderabad, has made history by becoming Virginia’s first female and first Muslim Lieutenant Governor. Her victory marks a major milestone for South Asian representation in American politics.
A state senator from Richmond, Hashmi defeated Republican opponent John Reid by a comfortable margin. Before entering politics, she served as a professor at the University of Richmond.
Hashmi, who moved to the U.S. at the age of four, earned a B.A. from Georgia Southern University and a Ph.D. in American Literature from Emory University. Inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s travel ban on several Muslim countries, she entered public service to fight for inclusivity and equality.
Her policy priorities include reproductive rights, gun control, public education, affordable healthcare, and environmental sustainability. She is also a vocal critic of assault weapons and advocates for stricter background checks and gun safety laws.
Born in Malakpet, Hyderabad, Ghazala Hashmi is married to Azhar Rafiq and has two daughters, Yasmin and Noor. Despite living in the U.S. for decades, she maintains a deep emotional connection with her roots in Hyderabad.