Ghazala Hashmi wins Democrats’ Virginia lieutenant governor nomination
Ghazala Hashmi has won the Democratic primary for the lieutenant governor nomination in Virginia, defeating her closest competitor by a narrow margin of less than 1%. Hashmi received 27.39% of the votes,while former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney followed closely with 26.64%, and state Senator Aaron Rouse garnered 26.34%. The race concluded with a significant turnout of over 481,000 ballots cast,marking a high level of engagement among voters. Although the close results allow for the possibility of a recount, Stoney conceded and acknowledged the importance of unifying around Hashmi and the Democratic ticket.Hashmi’s victory is historic as she becomes the first Muslim and indian American nominated for a statewide office in Virginia. The Democratic slate also includes former Rep. Abigail Spanberger for governor and Jay Jones for attorney general, reflecting the party’s optimism as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
Ghazala Hashmi wins close contest for Virginia Democratic lieutenant governor nominee
Virginia Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi won a six-way primary on Wednesday to become the party’s nominee for lieutenant governor, the end to a two-day contest in which Hashmi narrowly defeated her top competitor by less than 1%.
The Associated Press called the race for Hashmi at 11:01 a.m., well after the polls closed on Tuesday night. She won with 27.39% of the vote. Former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney took second, with 26.64%, and state Sen. Aaron Rouse took third, with 26.34%.
Virginia rules allow for defeated candidates to request a recount if the margin of victory is 1% or less, so Wednesday’s margins may set the stage for a possible recount in a race where over 481,000 ballots were cast, according to the Associated Press.
However, Stoney conceded Wednesday morning, asking his supporters to “rally behind” Hashmi and the rest of the Democratic ticket for governor and attorney general. Rouse, in a post on X Tuesday night, admitted the results weren’t “what we hoped for” and congratulated Hashmi.
Hashmi declared victory Tuesday night. She is the first Muslim and Indian American nominated for a Virginia statewide office.
Virginia Democrats announced their slate of nominees on Tuesday night, including Hashmi, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger for governor, and former state delegate Jay Jones for attorney general.
“With more than 480,000 ballots cast — including a record-breaking number during the early voting period — Virginians have made it clear: they are energized, engaged, and ready to elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November,” Democratic Party of Virginia leader Lamont Bagby said in a statement on Tuesday night. “With Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, and Jay Jones forming the statewide ticket, and a record-breaking slate of House of Delegates nominees, Democrats are united, focused, and ready to win.”
Both Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears were unopposed, so a gubernatorial primary was not held.
JAY JONES WINS VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL
Only Virginia and New Jersey are holding races for governor in the 2025 off-cycle, and they will serve as a barometer for how Republicans are faring and offer a preview of the 2026 congressional midterm elections.
It will also be one of President Donald Trump’s first statewide tests since taking the White House to see whether he resonates with voters and can motivate the base to show up at the polls.
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