Ghazala Hashmi
Democrat
In Office
Positions
Reproductive Freedom
Thanks to the disastrous Dobbs Supreme Court decision, my daughters and yours have fewer rights than their mothers did. I will never stop fighting for reproductive health care, including access to abortion and to contraception. As the last Southern state that has not severely restricted abortion access, we have a responsibility to ensure that all people, from Virginia or elsewhere, have access to the safe and legal health care they need and deserve. We must expand services, not shut them down. I am proud to have been named a Defender of Choice by REPRO Rising Virginia in recognition of my work in the State Senate, including my Right to Contraception Act, to protect our freedoms.
Gun Violence Protection
Tragically, mass shootings continue to increase, and gun violence is now the number one killer of our children, more than accidents or illness. I am committed to doing everything I can to stop the proliferation of guns and reduce the violence and deaths. I strongly support universal background checks, safe storage laws, strengthened red flag laws, and a ban on assault weapons which are weapons of war.
Fighting Bigotry
All Virginians deserve opportunity, fair treatment, equal rights, and justice. Unfortunately, too many of our communities are under attack as they face LGBTQIA bigotry, Islamophobia, and antisemitism. And more than four hundred years of systemic racism continue to affect the lives of Black Virginians, as we respond to redlining, inequitable education opportunities, and healthcare disparities. Immigrants are too often denigrated and made to feel unwelcome. We have a fundamental responsibility to fight hatred wherever we see it and to ensure that this country’s ideals of justice, equality, and fairness are a reality for all.
Jobs & Economy
As Virginians face an ever-changing economy, our education systems must focus on preparing the next generation with the necessary skills, training, and credentials that are essential for emerging technologies and careers. We must expand access to quality childcare and make it affordable, ensure that families are supported with home healthcare and elder care, and provide domestic workers with compensation at the levels that they deserve for their essential services. We must protect our workers’ rights to organize, to bargain collectively for fair pay, benefits, and safe workplaces. A living wage is a fundamental right for workers and their families.
Ratings
Scores from interest groups and advocacy organizations based on voting record and public positions.
Climate Cabinet Action
Equality Virginia
LEAP Forward
NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
REPRO Rising Virginia
Virginia Education Association
Political Experience
State Senate
Virginia · 2024-present
State Senate
Virginia · 2020-2024
Professional Experience
Director
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning · 2014-present
Professor/Coordinator of Quality Enhancement Plan
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College · 2002-present
Coordinator of Faculty Services
Averett University · 1999-2002
Visiting Assistant Professor
University of Richmond · 1992-1994
Education
Emory University
PhD · 1986
Georgia Southern University
BA · 1982
