Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
RICHMOND — State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi will be the first Muslim and Asian American in statewide office. The Associated Press called Hashmi’s victory over former conservative radio host and businessman John Reid around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.Hashmi was leading with 53% of the vote with 55% of votes reported The role of lieutenant governor is largely ceremonial — she presides over the Senate when the legislature is in session and can help influence policy from the governor’s administration. Hashmi, 61, served in the state Senate for the past six years, representing parts of Richmond and the surrounding counties. The Democrat’s campaign platform focused around education issues, like adjusting the funding formula for schools. The lieutenant governor’s race was enmeshed in drama earlier this year when Gov. Glenn Youngkin called on Reid, the Republican nominee, to drop out of the race following discovery of a social media account matching the username Reid uses elsewhere containing reposts of nude men. Reid said he was being attacked because he is gay and refused to drop out of the race. He maintains the account was not his. Hashmi, by contrast, has largely stayed out of the spotlight this election cycle. She drew criticism from Reid for declining to debate. Reid hosted an event where he “debated” an AI rendering of Hashmi’s voice read aloud her policy positions, as compiled by Reid’s campaign. Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com
