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Meeting with Virginia Senator Dr. Ghazala Hashmi
If successful in her current bid, she will be the first Muslim to hold a statewide office in Virginia’s history.
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Virginia Senator Dr. Ghazala Hashmi / Nuzaira Azam
When Walt Whitman penned his patriotic poetry in the 19th century, celebrating workers, farmers, blacksmiths, and everyday people, perhaps neither he nor anyone else could have imagined its resonance across centuries. His verses, steeped in the essence of America, continue to echo in the 21st century, embodied in individuals who champion the values of equity and democracy. Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi is one such figure. Running for the Lieutenant Governorship of Virginia, she carries forward Whitman’s ideals on one hand and President Lincoln’s vision of justice and unity on the other.
In 2019, Senator Hashmi made history by defeating a Republican incumbent, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate. If successful in her current bid, she will be the first Muslim to hold a statewide office in Virginia’s history. Senator Hashmi’s career is a testament to her dedication to public service, education, equality, and justice.
On Dec. 8, a gathering of influential community members hosted a meeting and fundraiser for Senator Hashmi in Great Falls, VA. Taking the stage, she captivated the audience with her insights and forward-thinking ideas, offering a vision for a better future in the state and beyond.
Senator Hashmi’s journey into politics is deeply inspiring. A Ph.D. and former literature professor, she was drawn to public service following the divisive policies of the Trump administration, particularly those targeting Muslim Americans. In 2016, she organized conferences to discuss pressing issues with like-minded individuals and concluded that action was necessary. Despite lacking political experience, she decided to run for a Virginia Senate seat.
Reflecting on that decision, Senator Hashmi shared the skepticism and criticism she faced: “Many people told me, ‘What are you doing? You are an immigrant, a Muslim American, and a woman.’ I was warned that the race for this seat would be highly contentious because of its strategic importance and was advised not to run.” Yet, bolstered by her husband’s encouragement and resolve, she entered the race and achieved a stunning victory over the incumbent.
During the meeting, Senator Hashmi addressed the threats to American democracy, highlighting challenges such as political polarization and foreign interference. She emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s foundational principles of diversity and inclusion. “The incoming administration is planning significant changes to education, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that will not favor our citizens. Our elected leaders in states, including Virginia, must be prepared to respond effectively to these unconstitutional actions and strengthen support for our communities,” she declared.
In the Q&A session, Senator Hashmi demonstrated her command of critical issues. She addressed audience concerns about gun violence, healthcare in rural communities, the condition of public education, and the needs of underserved areas. Drawing from her own experiences, she connected with the attendees, offering practical and empathetic solutions.
Senator Ghazala Hashmi’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and equity. Her journey reflects the enduring spirit of Whitman’s poetry—a celebration of everyday people striving to make a difference in their communities and beyond. As she campaigns for the Lieutenant Governorship, she continues to inspire hope and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
The author is the Washington correspondent for The Financial Daily, one of Pakistan’s English-language newspapers.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)
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