Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller joined supporters in Virginia to rally behind Democratic nominee Ghazala Hashmi’s campaign for lieutenant governor, underscoring shared values and deep personal parallels between the two leaders.

The event, held at the residence of Dr. Sushil and Asha Jain, was organized in collaboration with the AAPI Victory Fund, Vaibhav Jain, and a host committee. It brought together community members and regional supporters to celebrate Dr. Hashmi’s trailblazing candidacy and record of public service.

According to an October 7 statement from Miller’s office, the two leaders share strikingly similar journeys. Both were born in Hyderabad, India, and immigrated to the United States as children – Miller settling in New York and Hashmi in Georgia.

“Both built their lives through education and public service: Miller as a civil engineer and legislator in Maryland, and Hashmi as an educator and state senator in Virginia. Each represents a generation of immigrant women who transformed their experiences into service to their communities,” noted the statement.

Miller made history in 2022 as the first South Asian woman elected lieutenant governor in the United States. If elected, Hashmi would become the second South Asian woman – and the first Muslim-American woman – ever elected to statewide office in the country. Both women, born in 1964, embody a shared generation of leadership rooted in inclusion, opportunity, and a belief that public service can expand access and equity for all, the statement added.

The gathering also underscored the close relationship between Maryland and Virginia, neighboring states that face common challenges in education, workforce development, and civic engagement. Miller’s participation reflected Maryland’s commitment to regional collaboration and to advancing leaders who bring diverse perspectives to public life.

The Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Early in-person voting is already underway and continues through Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Related posts:

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller Celebrate Diwali with the South Asian Community  Maryland Embraces AI as Present Reality, Not Future Promise, Says Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Senator Ghazala Hashmi Backs Lawsuit Against Youngkin Administration Over University Board Appointments DLGA Commits $1 Million to Ghazala Hashmi’s Virginia Lt. Governor Campaign