Virginia Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary: Hashmi Declares Victory in Tight Race
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary: Hashmi Declares Victory in Tight Race
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi has declared victory in the Democratic primary for Virginia Lieutenant Governor, a closely contested race with razor-thin margins. While the Associated Press has yet to officially call the race, Hashmi currently holds a lead with approximately 27.5% of the vote, edging out former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney (26.7%) and State Senator Aaron Rouse (26.2%), with 96% of votes counted. The narrow victory margin leaves open the possibility of a recount, depending on the final certified results.
Hashmi’s win marks a significant milestone. She is the first Muslim and South Asian-American elected to the Virginia State Senate and would become the first Muslim to appear on a statewide ticket in Virginia. Her campaign, fueled by a platform addressing economic investment, improved schools, healthcare protection, and reproductive freedom, resonated with voters. Hashmi’s victory is also noteworthy given her previous criticisms of being too soft-spoken; she directly addressed these concerns in her victory speech, emphasizing the need for strong leadership in the face of what she described as a “MAGA-driven Republican ticket.”
The race was fiercely competitive, with a combined fundraising total exceeding $7.6 million among the Democratic candidates. Hashmi herself raised approximately $1.8 million, comparable to Senator Rouse’s fundraising, and significantly less than Stoney’s $2.1 million haul. Stoney, despite conceding publicly, has not yet formally conceded, highlighting the extremely close nature of the results. The Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Abigail Spanberger, has already extended her congratulations to Hashmi.
Hashmi’s background as a college professor and her current role as chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee contributed to her campaign’s narrative. Her endorsements from abortion rights and climate groups further solidified her progressive image. Conversely, Stoney’s tenure as Richmond mayor, while marked by achievements like the removal of Confederate monuments, also faced criticism related to the city’s police response to Black Lives Matter protests and a significant water crisis shortly after leaving office. Rouse, a former professional football player and Virginia Beach City Council member, emphasized his legislative achievements, notably the Save Local Pharmacies Act.
The general election will pit Hashmi against the Republican nominee, conservative radio host John Reid, who raised considerably less campaign funding ($300,000) compared to the Democratic candidates. This November’s election will determine the next Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, a position elected separately from the Governor, allowing for the possibility of a divided government.
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