Democratic newcomer Ghazala Hashmi declared victory in the 10th Senate District’s primary race. Hashmi will face Republican incumbent Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R-Richmond) in what is likely to be one of the most closely followed races in this fall’s elections.
Hashmi is a veteran educator and now administrator within Virginia’s higher education system. She ran after seeing the community’s perception of Muslims change following the Trump administration’s ban.
“I wondered if I was even welcome anymore in this country. And what I’m delighted to share is, that question has been answered in a very resounding way,” said Hashmi. “In Virginia, we’re building and working towards inclusivity.”
She defeated Eileen Bedell, a former candidate for the 7th Congressional District; and Zach Brown, a University of Richmond law student. Now Hashmi run against Glen Sturtevant (R-Richmond) in a district that has become increasingly favorable to Democrats.
Hashmi said her biggest priorities if she’s elected in the fall will be education funding, affordable healthcare and common-sense gun reform.
If Hashmi wins in November, she’d be the first Muslim woman elected to the General Assembly.
