The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is spotlighting Democratic nominee for Virginia Lieutenant Governor, state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the group announced Wednesday.
In a press release, the group highlighted the significance of the upcoming election and the potential role Hashmi would play in breaking tied votes in the Virginia Senate, which is currently narrowly held by Democrats, if she is successful in her campaign.
DLCC President Heather Williams said in a statement that the group is focused on utilizing available tools to ensure that legislative Democrats can effectively counter the agendas of President Donald Trump and Washington Republicans.
“Along with defending our majority in the Virginia House, it is imperative that we elect Senator Hashmi this November to ensure that Virginia’s next Lieutenant Governor will use their power, including the power to break ties in the Virginia Senate, to stand up for all Virginians,” Williams said.
In June, Hashmi won the Democratic Primary and became the nominee for Virginia Lieutenant Governor after a close election that saw voting margins as close as 50 votes at some points.
With less than a percentage point between herself and the second-place candidate Levar Stoney, Hashmi led throughout the evening, landing approximately 27.4% of the overall vote, followed by Stoney with 26.6% and third-place candidate Aaron Rouse with 26.3%.
The general election will be held on Nov. 4, and Hasmi will be facing off against Republican nominee John Reid, who is currently running unopposed after Virginia’s Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears announced she will be running for Virginia Governor.
Hashmi is a former educator with more than 30 years spent in teaching, before she was elected to the Virginia Senate in 2019, unseating Republican incumbent state Sen. Glen Sturtevant.
On her campaign website, Hashmi states her primary focus will be on reproductive freedom, gun violence protection, fighting bigotry, jobs and the economy, education, health care, housing, families, and protecting democracy.
