The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has expressed strong support for the election of Democratic state Senator Ghazala Hashmi as Virginia’s first female Muslim lieutenant governor, calling it a “historic” achievement.
Hashmi won against Republican radio host John Reed during the election, which was called for her by the Associated Press at 8:28 p.m. ET.
As of Wednesday morning, Hashmi had secured 96.5 percent of the vote, while Reed received 55.6 percent and 44.2 percent went to another candidate.
“We congratulate all newly elected and re-elected leaders in Virginia, particularly State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, who has made history as the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in the U.S.,” stated CAIR.
“It’s our hope that this moment encourages American Muslims to pursue public service in Virginia and nationwide,” CAIR added.
In her victory address, Hashmi emphasized the need for a political climate that is “more inclusive and geared toward solving problems, rather than exploiting the struggles of others.” She highlighted her identity as a Muslim woman, sharing her personal journey from arriving as a child in Savannah to making history in Virginia and the nation as the first Muslim woman in a statewide office. She noted that her decision to run stemmed from witnessing the targeted discrimination against marginalized groups.
“I ran for office because no one should ever feel unwelcome in their own community,” she asserted.
CAIR also released a statement celebrating the recent win of socialist Muslim Zoran Mamdani in a New York City mayoral race, describing it as a “historic turning point in American Muslim political involvement,” and a significant challenge to Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment.
“We applaud the college students and young activists who faced backlash for protesting against the events in Gaza. Their efforts contributed to electing a mayor who voiced support for the right to protest,” CAIR concluded, underscoring that America continues to be a place where individuals from diverse backgrounds can create history.
