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Virginia’s lieutenant governor race could make history as candidates Ghazala Hashmi and John Reid hold last-minute campaign events before Election Day.
VIRGINIA, USA — Voters in Virginia are getting ready to decide who will serve as the Commonwealth’s next lieutenant governor, a role that often serves as a stepping stone to higher offices.
The Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate, can cast tie-breaking votes, and steps in if the governor cannot serve.
Next Tuesday’s election could make history, no matter who wins.
Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, a state senator, is hoping to become the first Muslim woman elected to the position.
“We’re fighting for education and health care, affordable housing, child care access, and all of those are good for every family in Virginia,” Hashmi said. “When we make sure that we prioritize those issues, it’s issues for every family.”
Republican John Reid, a radio talk show host, is aiming to become the first openly gay Lieutenant Governor in Virginia’s history.
“I think a lot of people are worried about the economy,” Reid said. “I want them to know that as a business person, I hear you and I’m gonna do my best to bring new businesses and new jobs to Virginia.”
Reid also made headlines earlier this month after holding a debate featuring an AI-generated version of his opponent.
“One hundred twenty-five days I begged my opponent to do a debate,” Reid said. “I said, well doggone it, if you’re not gonna do a debate, then I’ll give you a fair shake. We’ll use quotes from you, and then I showed up without a script or teleprompter and just responded.”
Hashmi’s campaign called the move “desperate” and said she did not give Reid permission to use her likeness.
Reid defended the event, saying, “If she was so upset, she should have showed up and spent one hour on stage explaining her bad votes and her bad decisions.”
Hashmi pushed back on those comments, calling Reid “an extremist in his views.”
“He has targeted me with the same kind of bigoted language that Donald Trump has been using,” she said.
In Virginia, voters cast separate ballots for governor and lieutenant governor, meaning they can choose candidates from different political parties.
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