Who is this Muslim woman, supported by both Indians and Pakistanis for post of Virginia Lieutenant Governor?
She made history in 2019 when she became the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected to the Virginia Senate.
New Delhi: India(BHARAT)n-origin Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is making headlines in the New York City mayoral election. But not only Mamdani, another Democrat, Ghazala Hashmi, born in Hyderabad, is also making headlines in the US. She is trying to garner votes from South Asian voters, including those of Pakistani origin, in the race for Lieutenant Governor in Virginia.
According to recent surveys, Hashmi has a lead over her Republican rival, John Reed. Hashmi, who moved to the US with her mother and older brother at the age of four, has long been an influence in Virginia politics. This India(BHARAT)n-born Democratic leader is currently a state senator in Virginia. Hashmi is receiving strong support not only from India(BHARAT)ns but also from Pakistanis in the election.
Getting support from India(BHARAT)ns and Pakistanis
Hashmi’s election campaign is focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and immigrant representation, which resonate with both the India(BHARAT)n and Pakistani-American communities. Community leaders say her deep connections with South Asian communities and her inclusive strategy have helped her garner widespread support. The election for Virginia’s next Lieutenant Governor will be held on November 4.
What are the election issues?
According to Ghazala Hashmi’s campaign website, her other key issues include public education, voting rights, gun violence prevention, climate change, housing, and access to affordable healthcare. She also places great importance on preserving democracy. Her campaign closely resembles that of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, who is running for re-election in November.
Hashmi holds a 7-point lead over her Republican opponent, John Reed, a popular conservative talk show host, says a Washington Post poll.
Hashmi posted on X on October 6, saying, “Virginia workers know that no one is working harder for them than me. As Lieutenant Governor, I will continue to fight to raise workers’ wages, protect affordable healthcare, and create opportunities for all families.”
Pakistan’s support for Ghazala
“His India(BHARAT)n origin doesn’t matter to us. Pakistanis living in the US should understand that practically speaking, they are now Americans. Their attachment to Pakistan is merely emotional,” said Pakistan-born Faiz Rehman while talking to Dawn.
Shopkeeper Kuldeep Singh said, “This support is not because she is India(BHARAT)n. I will vote for her because he is a Democrat, and Democrats are good for immigrants.”
Who is Ghazala Hashmi?
Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India(BHARAT), in 1964, though her ancestral roots are in Karachi, Pakistan. Hashmi moved to the United States from India(BHARAT) with her family at the age of four. She grew up in a small town in Georgia.
She earned a bachelor’s degree (BA) in English from Georgia Southern University and a PhD from Emory University. Hashmi and her husband, Azhar, settled in the Richmond area in 1991, where they still reside. Before becoming a member of the Virginia State Senate, Hashmi served as a professor at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College for nearly three decades.
Hashmi’s electoral journey
61-year-old Hashmi won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in June, defeating five other candidates. Hashmi made history in 2019 when she became the first Muslim and first South Asian American elected to the Virginia Senate, as reported by The American Bazaar.
In her first attempt, Democrat Hashmi defeated Republican Congressman Glenn Sturtevant in Virginia’s 10th Senate District, gaining national recognition. Now, other immigrant communities, including the Pakistani and India(BHARAT)n communities, are eagerly watching to see if she will become Virginia’s first Muslim and Asian American lieutenant governor.
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