Endorsements
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As a former Director of Primary Care at Planned Parenthood, I'm endorsing Senator Ghazala Hashmi to protect our reproductive freedom in the face of Trump's attacks. When Youngkin vetoed her bill to protect access to contraception, Ghazala didn't back down–she sponsored it again. That's why she's the only candidate endorsed by reproductive rights groups.”
‒ Dr. Wendy Klein
Planned Parenthood Fmr. Director of Primary Care
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I am grateful for Ghazala's guidance and leadership as a progressive champion in the General Assembly, continually standing up for reproductive freedom, public schools and LGBTQ+ Virginians. Even as the Governor and Republicans tried to gut her bills this session, she never backed down in the face of opposition.”
‒ Rae Cousins
Delegate
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I’m proud to stand with my colleague, Senator Ghazala Hashmi, in her campaign for Lt. Governor. In a time when extremists are trying to tear down everything we believe in, Ghazala rises as the fierce, compassionate, and principled leader Virginia needs. I’ve seen her fight for our public schools, protect reproductive rights, defend healthcare, and uplift every part of our community. She’s unstoppable — and I’m with her all the way.”
‒ Saddam Salim
State Senator
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As a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and the first woman to represent Virginia in Congress, I have had the opportunity to meet many candidates and elected officials. I speak from experience when I say that Ghazala is in this for the right reasons - to bring progressive change and to help Virginia families thrive.”
‒ Leslie Byrne
Former United States Representative
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I’m supporting Senator Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor because I know she will stand for our values and our hard fought Democratic accomplishments. With her proven track record in improving education, economy, and healthcare she will continue to bring the best for Virginians.”
‒ Kannan Srinivasan
State Senator, Loudoun
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I am excited to endorse State Senator Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor. Ghazala will fight tirelessly for our shared values - women’s reproductive freedom, strong public schools for all children, safe streets without fear of gun violence and for an economy where every family can thrive. Ghazala will make a positive difference for ALL Virginians.”
‒ Ro Khanna
United States Represenative
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I have served with Ghazala in the State Senate since she was first elected. During her entire time, she has been devoted to making a difference in Virginians' lives - an economy that works for everyone, strong public schools throughout the Commonwealth and protecting Virginians' rights, particularly women's reproductive freedom. I know she will bring that commitment and dedication to being our Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Jeremy McPike
State Senator
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I served with Senator Hashmi, and I know firsthand that there is no one more dedicated and more passionate about standing up for our ideals and values. Whether it’s reproductive freedom or public education or the environment, Ghazala is always there, always fighting.”
‒ John Bell
Former State Senator, Loudoun
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As a former State Senator and the first woman to hold a leadership position in the General Assembly, I'm confident that Senator Ghazala Hashmi is the leader Virginia needs now. Senator Hashmi's record of standing up for women's rights, public schools, and our democracy speaks for itself, and it's why I'm proud to endorse her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Mary Margaret Whipple
Former State Senator, Arlington
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I am proud to endorse Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor. Ghazala takes on the toughest fights and is an incredible champion for reproductive freedom, strong public schools, gun violence prevention, and climate justice. I’ve worked closely with Ghazala to increase opportunities for Virginians to thrive, and I know she has the leadership and vision to keep making progress for families throughout Virginia.”
‒ Kathy Tran
Delegate, Fairfax, Chair, House Democratic Caucus
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Ghazala will be an outstanding Lieutenant Governor. She will be loud and proud about Democratic values, she will never back down, no matter who comes after her. She will always be working every day so all Virginians have opportunity, fairness and justice.”
‒ Rodney Willett
Delegate, Henrico
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I wholeheartedly endorse Ghazala Hashmi to be Virginia's next Lieutenant Governor. As a dedicated community leader, former educator, and the first Muslim woman elected to the Virginia legislature, Ghazala has broken barriers while fighting tirelessly for all Virginians. Her principled leadership on issues like protecting reproductive rights, expanding voting access, and standing up for immigrant communities shows she has the courage to defend our fundamental freedoms. Ghazala's lived experience, combined with her policy expertise and commitment to building an equitable Commonwealth that works for all of us. Ghazala Hashmi has my complete support and trust to move Virginia forward.”
‒ Irene Shin
Delegate, Fairfax, Chair, Virginia Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus
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I'm proud to support Ghazala for Lieutenant Governor. I've worked closely with her over the last five years and I know her absolute commitment to reproductive freedom, fully funded public schools and gun violence prevention. She has the intellect, the passion and the skills to be an outstanding candidate and excellent Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Betsy Carr
Delegate
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Ghazala and I share parts of Richmond and Chesterfield so I know firsthand how hard she works, how dedicated she is to doing what's right and how passionate she is to stand up for Democratic principles.”
‒ Mike Jones
Delegate
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I’m so glad to see Ghazala running for Lieutenant governor. Ghazala is running, just as she did for the State Senate and for all the right reasons – to fight for those who are too often voiceless and to improve the lives of all our families. I am so proud to support her.”
‒ Patrick Hope
Delegate, Arlington
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I am proud to endorse Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor not just because of her exceptional track record of leadership and her story of perseverance, but also because of her humanity. She is a courageous fighter for all of us and won’t leave any Virginian behind when it comes to protecting healthcare, standing up for reproductive freedom and fully funding our public schools. She will be an outstanding Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ JJ Singh
Delegate, Loudoun
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I am proud to endorse Ghazala Hashmi for Lt. Governor. As Richmond’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, I see firsthand Ghazala’s commitment to her constituents and to all Virginians. She is a progressive leader whose dedication to our City, and most importantly to the safety of our children and others, has helped Richmond prosper. I know that she will do the same for all of Virginia.”
‒ Colette McEachin
Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney
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As a local elected official, I have worked closely with Ghazala. She is a true servant leader who puts in the hard work to deliver meaningful change for the working families of our community and for families across the Commonwealth.”
‒ Andreas Addison
Richmond City Councilmember
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Ghazala is the leader we need in a Lieutenant Governor. She has a proven track record of uplifting people through policy, backing her compassion with action and working overtime to deliver for the Commonwealth. She sets an example of “walking the walk” and is an exemplary servant leader.”
‒ Stephanie Lynch
Richmond City Councilmember
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As a longtime local elected official on the Hanover Board of Supervisors, I’ve worked closely with State Senator Ghazala Hashmi so I know, up close and personal, her commitment to Virginia and to improving lives here. Ghazala is absolutely devoted to ensuring that we protect everyone’s rights and freedoms, that we improve our public schools and that we have a thriving economy with good-paying jobs. That’s why I’m proud to support her for Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Faye Prichard
Hanover County Supervisor, Ashland District
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Ghazala has shown me, by example, how to serve as a newly elected official. She has demonstrated, through her own work, the importance of standing up for principles and governing by values. She is a true leader in serving our community when it comes to prioritizing innovative mental health supports, fully funding our education system on all levels and protecting our environment which includes rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Ghazala is the true progressive to be our next Lieutenant Governor and I am proud to support her.”
‒ Mark S. Miller
Chesterfield Supervisor, Midlothian
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As a newly elected Supervisor, who won in a big upset, I can speak personally to Senator Hashmi’s commitment to helping other Democrats and to truly being there for candidates and for local activists. She was at so many of my events, always encouraging, always helping. She made a huge difference in my race and in all the races in my area.”
‒ Jessica Schneider
Chesterfield Supervisor
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Ghazala demonstrates daily her commitment to our children and families and is always on the front lines of supporting our public schools and colleges.”
‒ Kenya Gibson
Richmond City Council Member
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I enthusiastically support Ghazala for Lieutenant Governor because she is the strongest champion for the issues Virginians care about most - protecting reproductive freedom and access to healthcare, keeping communities safe from gun violence, supporting public schools, safeguarding our natural resources, and ensuring Virginia builds a thriving economy that works for ALL of us. Ghazala is a woman of integrity who has consistently demonstrated she has the experience, temperament, and empathy to lead at this level. Her actions match her words no matter how difficult a decision, proving she is the clear choice for Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Amanda Pohl
Chesterfield County Clerk of Court
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I first met Ghazala in 2019 when she was an underdog candidate and I quickly realized that in her quiet, understated way, she has a backbone of steel, and she has shown that in her years in the State Senate. I have no doubt she will bring that quality to the office of lieutenant governor and keep Democratic values and ideals forefront in that role.”
‒ Bill Leighty
Former Kaine & Warner Chief of Staff
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Ghazala Hashmi is the experienced, progressive leader we need as our next Lieutenant Governor. Her record as a leader in the Senate and her work building the Democratic Party show that she is committed to making Virginia better for all of us.”
‒ Alexsis Rodgers
Democratic Community Leader and Former Richmond Mayoral Candidate
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As a former local chair and former candidate for delegate, I have been very fortunate to see Ghazala’s work from many angles. I've seen how she supports Democratic activists, and how she mentors and counsels candidates. But one thread goes through all her efforts- her commitment to our Democratic values such as reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, public education and saving our earth from the ravages of climate change. I am so proud to support her in this next endeavor.”
‒ Larry Barnett
Former Candidate for Delegate and Former Chair, CCDC
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As a Richmonder, I have watched Ghazala from when she first ran for State Senate as an underdog, both in the primary and the general election. I saw her steadfast commitment to our issues, her incredible work ethic and her intelligence which is how I know she will be such a great Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Ed Jewett
Richmond City Clerk of Court
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I am excited to support Ghazala for Lieutenant Governor. In her five years as a Senator, I have watched her fight for the voiceless, for those without power, and for those in the margins who struggle. Ghazala is always there for minority communities and to advocate for every Virginian to have the opportunity to thrive.”
‒ Paul Berry
Former President of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board
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Estoy orgulloso de apoyar a Ghazala para Vicegobernadora. En sus cinco años como Senadora, la he visto luchar por los sin voz, por aquellos sin poder y por los que están en los márgenes. Ghazala siempre está ahí para las comunidades minoritarias y para abogar para que cada virginiano tenga la oportunidad de prosperar.”
‒ Paul Berry
Ex-presidente de la Junta Asesora de los Latinos en Virginia
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As a longtime public school educator, the Founder of the Northside Coalition for Children, Inc. and a member of the Richmond School Board, public education and ensuring all our children have opportunity is central to who I am. I am very excited to support Senator Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor because I know Ghazala shares my devotion to our children and ensuring their success. As a State Senator she has advocated fiercely for our public schools and I know that will continue when she is our Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed
Richmond City School Board
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I have watched Ghazala's outreach to every corner of our community. Her commitment to ensuring every Virginian has the opportunity to succeed and be healthy, is matched by none.”
‒ Katherine Poindexter
Civil Rights Litigator
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I am so excited to see Senator Ghazala Hashmi running for Lieutenant Governor. Ghazala has such a strong progressive record, working to make sure ALL Virginians have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
‒ Praveen Meyyan
NoVA AAPI Leadership
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Ghazala is truly a champion for public education and for all our children. She not only works to ensure our schools have the resources they need, that our teachers are respected and fairly compensated, but she always stands up for our children and making sure schools meet the needs of kids, preparing them for good jobs or for higher ed.”
‒ Dot Heffron
Chair, Chesterfield County School Board
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I am proud to endorse fellow advocate and champion for public education, Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor. Education is the foundation of a good democracy, and we need someone who is willing to fight to ensure public education is accessible and of high quality to all children.”
‒ Dominique Chatters
Chesterfield County School Board
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As a community activist and former candidate, I have appreciated Ghazala’s integrity and sincerity. Moreover, she is truly interested in listening and learning. She will make an outstanding Lieutenant-Governor, standing up for progressive values.”
‒ Allan-Charles Chipman
Former Candidate for 6th District City Council
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Right now, we need people like Ghazala Hashmi leading our state. I am supporting Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor because she is a strong fighter for our progressive values—protecting reproductive health care, defending public education, and supporting working families. I know when policy decisions are being made, she will prioritize what’s best for our communities.”
‒ Catherine Read
Mayor of the City of Fairfax
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As a civics teacher and school board member, I know that public education serves as the foundation of our democracy. That's why we need Ghazala Hashmi as our next Lieutenant Governor: she's an educator and legislator with the experience and strength to protect our public schools from Trump and Youngkin's attacks. ”
‒ Wesley Hedgepeth
Richmond City School Board Member
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Senator Ghazala Hashmi is an unmatched champion for working people and labor unions. Virginia workers deserve a leader like Senator Hashmi in the Lieutenant Governor’s office who will stand up to Trump, Musk, and Youngkin and fight for better pay and benefits and more good union jobs across the Commonwealth. We’re excited to endorse her candidacy.”
‒ Sam Epps
UNITE HERE Local 25
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Senator Ghazala Hashmi is a champion for healthcare access and public schools across our Commonwealth. As a healthcare provider, school board member and fellow educator, I'm proud to endorse her for Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Sumera Rashid
Loudoun County School Board Member
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As a prosecutor, my job is to enforce the law in a manner that ensures justice for all. In the face of Trump's attacks on our justice system, we need elected officials who are ready to protect our rights and defend the rule of law. Senator Ghazala Hashmi is ready, and I'm proud to endorse her for Lieutenant Governor.”
‒ Jim Hingeley
Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney
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I am proud to endorse Senator Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor! Senator Hashmi has been a fighter for all Virginians and will bring this sensitivity and experience to helping to lead Virginia as Lieutenant Governor under the discouraging rule of Trump. We will be so fortunate to have Ghazala as an advocate for working families and the rule of law.”
‒ Abdel Elnoubi
Alexandria City Council
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As a former Air Force veteran, federal employee, and small business owner, I am proud to support Sen. Hashmi. She has always had our back, and will remain committed to supporting our critical needs, especially during this time of great uncertainty. She is exactly the type of leader we need to move Virginia forward—focused, hard working, and dedicated to service. ”
‒ Ravi Chaudhary
Fmr. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
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As a federal prosecutor for almost 30 years, I worked every day to stand up for the little guy and keep Virginians, as well as all Americans, safe. I know Ghazala will do the same as Lt. Governor for all Virginians without fear or favor. Ghazala stands out for her outstanding record of delivering results. And her deep dedication and passion in serving our Commonwealth as an educator and State Senator are inspiring.”
‒ Gene Rossi
Former Federal Prosecutor and Former Lt. Gov Candidate
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Ghazala has the values, experience, and leadership to effectively lead with integrity. She was a partner with me on some serious issues when I led the Chesterfield NAACP and she, above all else, has impeccable character. ”
‒ Avohom Carpenter
Former Director, Chesterfield NAACP
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As Chair of the Richmond City School Board, I'm proud to endorse educator and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi. Ghazala is a champion for our students, educators, and parents who has fought tirelessly to fully fund our schools after years of underfunding. She will make an excellent Lieutenant Governor. ”
‒ Shavonda Fernandez
Richmond City School Board Chair
Kelly Fowler
Delegate
Quan Tiet Schneider
Virginia AAPI Leadership
May Nivar
Virginia AAPI Leadership, Candidate for House of Delegates District 57
Eric Lin
Virginia AAPI Leadership
Angela Chiang
Virginia AAPI Leadership
Bob Shippee
Environmentalist
Leslie Mehta
Candidate for House of Delegates District 73
Chelsea Higgs Wise
Community Leader
Billy Bates
Fairfax Councilmember
Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Fairfax County School Board Member and former Chair
Jenefer Hughes
Chesterfield County Commissioner of Revenue
Joe Cobb
Roanoke Mayor
Leaburn Kennedy
Vice Mayor, Pound
Karen Darner
Former Delegate
*Note: The Moms Demand Gun Sense Candidate Distinction is a recognition of support for gun violence prevention, not an endorsement.