Senator Ghazala Hashmi declared as Democratic nominee in lieutenant governor race

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Chesterfield) has been declared the Democratic nominee in the race for Virginia's lieutenant governor, according to the Associated Press.

Hashmi is the first Muslim and the first Indian-American to be nominated to appear on the ballot for a Virginia statewide office, AP reported.

She defeated five other candidates, including former Richmond mayor and Democrat Levar Stoney as well as Democrat Aaron Rouse, securing the nomination in the primary race.

Hashmi will now face Republican John Reid, the first openly gay man to receive a major party’s endorsement for statewide office in Virginia. He became the nominee after his primary opponent left the race.

The announcement comes after Stoney conceded in a statement via X.

On Tuesday, June 17, Hashmi was shown to be leading the Democratic race, with 131,777 votes. She declared victory as the Democratic nominee Tuesday night.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for more updates.