Elect Ghazala Hashmi, Lieutenant Governor

Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Ghazala Hashmi, has established a long and strong voting record as a state senator who supports immigrants’ rights. She cosponsored SB 1387 to expand financial aid for undocumented immigrants; she voted to authorize driver’s licenses for non-United States citizens, and she voted to eliminate the requirement that jails and prisons ascertain the citizenship status of inmates. Hashmi also sponsored a bill to authorize in-state tuition for undocumented students.

In contrast, her opponent, GOP conservative radio host John Reid, has no track record of ever supporting immigrants’ rights. Quite the opposite, his campaign webpage states that “John Reid is dedicated to enforcing immigration laws, not allowing localities to ignore them.” He makes no mention of protecting immigrants’ rights, no mention of whether or not he will collaborate with ICE raids in Virginia, and no mention of providing social services for immigrants. When asked in an interview why people should vote for Reid, he responded, “I’m one of the few native Virginians left in Virginia politics. I think that counts for something.” This sounds as if John Reid thinks that just because he was born here, he is a more qualified candidate.  

The fact that Reid is not campaigning on immigration issues is important because the lieutenant governor's responsibilities include presiding over the Senate and voting to break ties when necessary. Considering that Democrats now hold a single-vote majority in the Senate, tie votes are not only possible but likely in the coming several sessions. John Reid has no experience that would qualify him to determine which bills become

law; he has no background in law or in government. His campaign lacks any significant voice for civil rights, equity, or ensuring immigrant safety. In contrast, Ghazala Hashmi has years of legislative experience, and her campaign has expressed support for a range of progressive values. Hashmi would be the far more qualified candidate should a tie-breaking vote be needed in the Virginia Senate.

Electing Ghazala Hashmi as Lieutenant Governor on November 4, 2025, would be the responsible choice for voters who care about protecting and enhancing immigrants’ rights in Virginia, as well as those voters concerned with passing other progressive legislation. Early voting is ongoing through November 1st. Use the following link to see where you can VOTE early, in-person to elect Ghazala Hashmi Lieutenant Governor: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-voting-office-locations/ and make your plan, now, to vote for Ghazala Hashmi.