United States senator Ghazala Hashmi, a Hyderabad-born Democrat, has made history with her groundbreaking bid for the post of lieutenant governor in the American state of Virginia, reported India Today.

If elected on November 4, she will become the first Muslim and the first Indian-American to hold a statewide office in the state. She is currently a State Senator in Virginia.

Her campaign has captured the attention of Indian, Pakistani and other South Asian communities across the United States, many of whom see her story as a reflection of their own.

According to the latest Washington Post–Schar School poll, Hashmi currently holds a seven-point lead over her Republican rival, John Reid. 

Her campaign emphasises education, affordable healthcare, immigrant representation, gun violence prevention and climate change — issues that have earned her strong support among progressive and immigrant voters.

Hashmi moved to the United States from Hyderabad at the age of four with her mother and brother. After nearly three decades in academia, she entered politics and made history in 2019 as the first Muslim and South Asian woman elected to the Virginia Senate. 

She frequently speaks about her journey as an immigrant and a Muslim woman navigating the landscape of American politics.

“I had to wonder whether, after living here nearly fifty years, I had a home anymore — whether I was welcome here,” she said after her 2019 election. “And I had to prove that answer, not just for myself, but for so many people who feel marginalised.”

Her inclusive message has united Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Americans in rare solidarity. “Her being of Indian origin is of little consequence for us,” Faiz Rahman, a Pakistani-origin resident of Fairfax, told Pakistani newspaper Dawn “We see her as someone who represents all South Asians.” Similarly, shopkeeper Kuldip Singh said, “I would vote for her because she is a Democrat — and Democrats are good for immigrants.”

For many Muslim and South Asian immigrants, Hashmi’s rise from Hyderabad to one of Virginia’s top political races symbolises hope, belonging and the power of representation.

“People like Ghazala remind us that this country belongs to everyone willing to work for it,” said Hassan, an NGO worker from Washington.