The race for the position of lieutenant governor in Virginia is intensifying, with Democrat Ghazala Hashmi and Republican John Reid vying for what polls indicate may be the closest statewide contest in the Commonwealth’s history. An October poll from the VCU Wilder School shows Hashmi holding a slight edge over Reid, leading by just one percentage point within the margin of error of 3.95%. As the election approaches in November, this tight race is drawing increased attention.
Should Hashmi triumph, she would make history as the first Muslim and first South Asian American to hold statewide office in Virginia. Conversely, a win for Reid would lead to him becoming the state’s first openly gay lieutenant governor.
During a recent discussion with WTOP, both candidates outlined their priorities and visions for Virginia, with education being a key focus area. Hashmi, a former professor with three decades of experience in education, emphasized the importance of increased funding for schools, aiming to enhance teacher support, improve infrastructure, and address the needs of vulnerable student populations. She advocates for smaller class sizes to improve learning outcomes and supports initiatives for affordable higher education through career and technical education.
Reid also highlighted the high costs of college tuition and called for reforms in the funding of state universities. He proposed focusing on classroom discipline and introduced the concept of school uniforms to promote a more focused educational environment, which he refers to as part of his “Real Virginia Agenda.”
Both candidates addressed economic concerns, with Hashmi advocating for aligning education with workforce demands through apprenticeships to attract high-paying jobs. She criticized the current administration for not effectively supporting those impacted by recent federal job cuts.
Reid acknowledged the challenges posed by federal workforce reductions and shared a personal connection, noting his partner’s layoff from the nuclear submarine program. He positioned himself as an advocate for maintaining Virginia as a right-to-work state, aiming to attract business investments, while also expressing caution regarding proposals to raise the minimum wage, citing potential job loss for low-income workers.
On the contentious issue of abortion rights, Hashmi expressed her support for a constitutional amendment to ensure safe and legal access to abortion and comprehensive reproductive health care. Reid, on the other hand, opposed the amendment, labeling it as extreme and raising concerns about late-term abortion practices.
As the campaign progresses, the candidates will further engage on critical issues such as transportation and data centers, promising a continuing dialogue with voters. This election not only serves as a battleground for policy differences but also reflects the evolving demographic and political landscape of Virginia, making it a pivotal contest in the Commonwealth’s history.