Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi has built a life rooted in education, equity, and civic duty. An immigrant from Hyderabad, India and a longtime professor of American literature, she made history as the first Indian-American immigrant elected to the Virginia Senate and in Virginia General Assembly, in 2019. Senator Hashmi emphasized that she entered public service after the 2016 presidential election – a turning point that compelled her to defend the inclusive vision of America she had long taught in her classrooms.

Now running for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, on the November 4 election, Senator Hashmi hopes to make history once again, becoming the state’s first Indian-American and South Asian to hold the office. 

In this exclusive interview with South Asian Herald, on October 26, 2025, in Brambleton, Virginia, she reflected on her journey from academia to politics, the growing voice of South Asian communities in Virginia, her sharp policy contrasts with her opponent John Reid, and why she believes the state’s future depends on protecting public education, affordable healthcare, and opportunity for every Virginian.

You have built a long and distinguished career as both an educator and a legislator. Could you share a bit about your personal and professional journey and what inspired you to seek this office?

I began my professional life as a college professor. I never intended to do anything but that — to teach my students. My focus is American literature, and I spent almost 30 years in the classroom. But the 2016 election of Donald Trump really upended my sense of where this country was going. He ran on a campaign of bigotry and xenophobia, targeting immigrant communities and Muslims. As a Muslim American and an immigrant from India, I felt compelled to speak out and represent the communities I belong to. I wanted to respond to Trump’s version of America, which is the antithesis of my own understanding of this nation. Teaching American literature helped me see America as a profoundly complex country, built by diverse communities that have shaped its culture and philosophy. I wanted that America, the inclusive, pluralistic one, to be fully represented. That’s why I decided to run for the Virginia Senate in 2019.

If elected, you would make history as Virginia’s first Muslim American and South Asian Lieutenant Governor. How do you view the growing influence and contributions of South Asian communities?

Something that a lot of folks don’t realize is that South Asians have been a part of this nation’s complex history for centuries, as part of the Sikh community, entrepreneurs, and businessmen. Many different individuals have established their deep roots in this country across from California to Texas to Michigan to the eastern coast. So, it is important that we recognize that South Asians have played a critical role in so many facets of this nation, and it’s time for South Asians to be a part of the political landscape as well. We’ve seen that happen over the last 50 years. So, my running for this seat in the Virginia executive office, to be the first South Asian Lieutenant Governor, is part of the long history. It’s a part of the legacy that I’m inheriting from so many South Asians. And I think I bring a voice and a perspective that’s necessary, especially as our immigrant communities grow and expand here in Virginia.

Voters will also be choosing between two historic candidates. Why should Virginians support your candidacy over your opponent, John Reid, who would become the state’s first openly gay Lieutenant Governor if elected?

Yes, we’re making history either way, but voters should focus on competence and experience. I’ve served six years in the Virginia Senate, playing a key role in legislation on education, healthcare, housing, and energy policy. I bring a deep understanding of how government works – something my opponent lacks. He’s never held elected office or participated in policy decisions. My record is public and transparent. My opponent has stated that he would shut down all public schools in Virginia, which is an affront to the essential role of public education. He’s compared reproductive healthcare to slavery and has run a campaign filled with bigotry, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. His public remarks, in my view, disqualify him from holding public office.

In an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald, on October 12, John Reid mentioned that you support some of Virginia’s “most controversial and progressive, even regressive, ideas.” How do you respond?

If fighting for civil rights is “progressive,” then I’m proud to stand on that side. That includes defending the rights of the LGBTQ community. It’s ironic that John Reid, an openly gay man, does not support the constitutional amendment for marriage equality. I’m ready to fight for his rights, even though he won’t fight for others. He also supports closing public schools, a move that would devastate communities – especially children with disabilities and special needs. This includes every child that might be hard of hearing or a child that is Dyslexic. We know that every child in Virginia deserves access to fundamentally fair and high-quality education. That’s what I’m fighting for, that’s not progressive, that’s common sense.

How do you assess the current White House policies and the ongoing government shutdown’s effects on Virginians?

It’s absolutely disastrous. As a legislator, I’m hearing directly from constituents across Virginia, and the stories are heartbreaking. First, we face a looming hunger crisis. The federal government under Trump and the Republican Congress hasn’t funded the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which feeds hundreds of thousands of Virginians. We’re going to see hungry children, seniors, and families in the richest nation on earth. There’s no excuse for this neglect. Second, there’s a healthcare crisis brewing. Congress hasn’t reauthorized the enhanced premium tax credits that allow over 300,000 Virginians to buy insurance on our state exchange. Without that, hospitals and clinics will feel the strain. Combined with unemployment and chaos in the federal workforce, these decisions threaten Virginia’s economy and wellbeing. We need capable leadership that understands these challenges and can respond effectively. I’ve spent years working on these issues. My opponent neither understands nor acknowledges the crisis before us.

How would you describe Governor Glenn Youngkin’s policies, and how would your approach differ if elected?

Sadly, the current administration has caused real harm to education. Virginia now ranks 51st in math recovery test scores, a direct result of missed opportunities. After the pandemic, the federal government provided funds for tutoring and summer school programs, but those dollars weren’t fully deployed. Instead, the administration focused on divisive distractions – targeting teachers with a “tip line,” cutting support for comprehensive history education, and politicizing classrooms. As an educator, I believe we can fix this by returning to the basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic – while ensuring every student has the resources to succeed.

Can you highlight your accomplishments in improving education in Virginia?

Public education is my passion. I’ve spent 30 years as an educator, and I’m committed to strengthening and expanding it. Virginia has underfunded public education by roughly $6.6 billion since 2008. Two years ago, I introduced a budget amendment adding more than $2 billion to start addressing that shortfall. This year, I secured another $800 million. Altogether, nearly $3 billion in new investment has been directed to our schools. We’re also reforming the funding formula to reduce inequities and ensure rural and under-resourced districts aren’t left behind. These steps are setting Virginia on a stronger path for the next generation.

What are the key issues driving your campaign?

My campaign focuses on everyday issues that affect every family’s cost of living – childcare, healthcare, and housing. Childcare is now prohibitively expensive, forcing parents to make impossible choices. Prescription drug prices keep climbing. Families struggle to access healthcare services or find affordable housing near their jobs. Infrastructure is aging. These are not abstract problems – they shape daily life. I want to deliver real-world solutions to these real-world challenges.

Could you highlight some of your key endorsements? What do they reflect about your message and coalition?

I’m proud of the broad support we’ve built. All major labor unions have endorsed me. Environmental organizations like the League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club stand with our campaign. Women’s rights and reproductive health groups are also strong supporters. I’m honored to have the backing of both U.S. Senators from Virginia, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with all Democratic members of Congress and my colleagues in the Virginia legislature. These endorsements reflect confidence in my leadership and a shared commitment to progress.

How confident are you that Virginia will turn blue in this election?

Virginia remains a purple state, with an evenly divided General Assembly. But I’m confident we’ll expand our numbers in the House of Delegates – all 100 seats are up this year – and elect a Democratic executive team: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. I’ve heard from voters and people all across Virginia. I’ve even heard from friends and colleagues who identify as Republican, and they say they are voting for Democrats this term because they know how critical Virginia’s elections are. They know the crisis that this nation is facing right now, under the Trump administration, they want to be on board with Virginia as we turn this ship around.

(This interview has been edited for length, brevity, and clarity.)

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