Democrat Ghazala Hashmi successfully unseated Virginia state Sen. Glen Sturtevant, a two-term incumbent and Republican, on Tuesday, making her the first Muslim American woman elected to the Virginia state senate, as reported by The Associated Press. Hashmi, who immigrated to the United States from India as a child, was a community college administrator with a strong background in education. This was her first campaign for public office, making the victory even more impressive.
Hashmi’s campaign highlighted issues including gun reform, health care, and education, with a special focus on universal pre-kindergarten. She also called out her opponent for his opposition to Medicaid expansion.
Hashmi will represent the state’s 10th Senate District. For those unfamiliar with Virginia, this includes Richmond, as well as parts of Powhatan County and parts of Chesterfield County.
Hashmi’s success was part of a larger victory, with Democrats winning full control of the Virginia state government.
Here’s an awesome interview with Hashmi, where she discusses her motivation to run for office now. In short: Trump’s discriminatory Muslim ban.
And here she is in an interview on issues that specifically impact young voters:
Update: As part of a Twitter thread celebrating the big wins in Virginia, Hillary Clinton gave a special shout out to Hashmi.
Which Hashmi replied to, also on Twitter: