‘We have someone at the table now’: Hashmi becomes first Muslim woman elected to statewide office

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In a historic election, women claimed major victories across the country. From New Jersey to Virginia, their wins signaled a shift in the nation’s political landscape.

Among these winners is Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D-Chesterfield), who made history as Virginia’s first Indian American lieutenant governor and the first Muslim ever elected to any statewide office.

Hashmi’s victory marks a defining moment -- not only in Virginia politics, but for Muslim Americans nationwide, like Charles Turner.

"When there’s a Muslim in the room, it changes the conversation," said Turner, the executive director of the Virginia Muslim Civic League. "She represents a lot of hope for a younger generation that, at this moment, has felt kind of hopeless with our current situation."

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Turner said that, since the war in Gaza began, many in the Muslim community have felt discouraged and overlooked.

"That’s why having Senator Hashmi win the lieutenant governor position is so important, because we feel like we have someone at the table now," he said.

Farida Jalalzai, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech, noted that Hashmi’s win also reflects a broader shift in the political landscape, where women are claiming more power and influence than ever.

"Hashmi, who’s both a woman and a Muslim woman of color ... that’s really particularly significant, because these are multiple identities that have been historically underrepresented," Jalalzai said.

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8News reached out to Mayor Danny Avula, the first Indian American to lead Richmond, to get his reaction to Hashmi's win.

"Richmond is so proud of Lieutenant Governor-Elect Hashmi," he said in a statement. "She’s had an incredible legacy of service as an educator and state senator and I’m thrilled that she will continue her dedication to Virginians in her next role. She represents the best of the inclusive community that so many love about Richmond. She is the American dream.”

Hashmi is not the only woman making strides. Abigail Spanberger became the first woman to ever be elected as Virginia’s governor, while Mikie Sherrill secured her place as the second woman to hold that role in New Jersey. Jalalzai said these victories send a clear message about the changing face of American politics.

"Where we’ve come as a country, I feel like we’ve sent a message that we’re not going to reject candidates because of their descriptive identities," she said. "We need to acknowledge the historic nature of these victories because, when we don't, I think we continue to ignore some of the obstacles that women and political minorities have faced."

Hashmi and Spanberger are set to officially take office on Jan. 17, 2026, beginning a new era of representation and leadership in Virginia.