FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2026
Contact: Madelyn Kinyon, press@ghazalahashmi.com

Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi Sworn in as 43rd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and Begins Historic Term

RICHMOND, VA – This afternoon, state Senator Ghazala Hashmi took her oath of office, becoming the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. She was sworn in by Chief Justice Cleo Powell, who made history recently as the first Black woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Commonwealth’s highest court. The Inauguration, held on the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol, was rich with symbolic and historic significance, including the use of Lt. Governor Hashmi’s family Qur’an and an original printing of a 1799 United States Constitution on loan from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

The inauguration represents not only a personal milestone for Lt. Governor Hashmi, the first Muslim woman elected to any statewide office in the United States, but also a historic moment for Virginia, symbolizing progress, inclusion, and the evolving promise of democratic leadership in the Commonwealth:

“In 2019, voters gave me the extraordinary honor to serve as a state Senator representing Virginians in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Powhatan. Now, I am humbled by the trust that voters throughout Virginia have placed in me to serve as the 43rd Lieutenant Governor. Over the past several weeks since November’s elections, I have been joined by a remarkable and talented team of leaders whose insights and advice have guided a strong transition process,” Lt. Governor Hashmi said. “We are ready to begin work on Day One, with the determination to lift up the voices of all communities.”

“My promise on the campaign trail was clear: I will fight for the rights and opportunities of all Virginians, including ensuring access to quality health care, a robust education system, affordability, and protections for our workers. Lieutenant Governor Hashmi begins her term with a commitment to engage directly with communities across Virginia and ensure that the work of her office reflects the values and aspirations of all Virginians.

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