Virginia has entered a new chapter in its political history with the swearing-in of Ghazala Hashmi as the state’s Lieutenant Governor on January 17. With this development, she has become the first Indian American to win a statewide office in the Commonwealth and the first Muslim woman to be elected to a statewide position anywhere in the United States. The occasion marked a historic moment for Virginia’s political landscape.

Ghazala Hashmi, a 61-year-old Democrat, secured her victory in the 2025 election after defeating Republican candidate John Reid. Following the election, she succeeded Winsome Earle-Sears and formally assumed her new role during an inauguration ceremony held at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. As Lieutenant Governor, she will also serve as President of the Virginia Senate, where she will preside over Senate proceedings.

The oath of office was administered by Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Cleo Powell. During the ceremony, Hashmi placed her hand on the Quran while taking the oath. Her husband and daughters were present at the Capitol, witnessing the moment that has been described as a milestone in the state’s history.

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After the ceremony, Ghazala Hashmi shared a message on X in which she expressed her gratitude and sense of responsibility. She wrote that she was honored to take the oath as the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and said she looked forward to working alongside the Governor and the administration to build a Commonwealth focused on affordability, opportunity, dignity, and justice.

Before being elected as Lieutenant Governor, Hashmi served two terms in the Virginia State Senate, representing the 15th District. Her time in the legislature came after decades of involvement in education and community leadership across Virginia, where she worked closely with local stakeholders.

Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad in 1964 and spent her early childhood in the Malakpet area before moving to the United States at the age of four. She completed her undergraduate studies at Georgia Southern University, earned her master’s degree from the University of Virginia, and later received a Ph.D. in American Studies from Emory University.

For many years, Hashmi taught at Virginia’s community colleges. Prior to entering elected office, she also served on local boards and commissions. Her work consistently focused on strengthening public education and expanding opportunities through collaboration with parents, educators, and civic leaders throughout the Commonwealth.