Ghazala Hashmi
Ghazala Firdous Hashmi (born July 5, 1964) is an Indian-born American politician and former academic administrator and educator. A Democrat, Hashmi represents the 10th district in the Senate of Virginia; she is the first Muslim woman elected to the body. She worked as an educator and academic administrator for 25 years before running for office. Early life and education. Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1964 to Tanveer and Zia Hashmi. She lived at her maternal grandparents' home in Malakpet during her childhood. Her maternal grandfather served in the finance department of the Government of Andhra  Pradesh. Her family moved to the United States in 1969. Hashmi completed a B.A. in English at Georgia Southern University where she was a member of the honors program. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Emory University on a full scholarship. Her 1992 dissertation was titled "William Carlos Williams and the American ground of "In the American Grain" and "Paterson."" Career. Hashmi was an educator and academic administrator for 25 years. She received awards and medals for diversity, inclusion, and multicultural enrichment as an administrator at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where she served as the founding director of  the center for excellence in teaching and learning. In the 2019 Virginia Senate election, Hashmi won Virginia's 10th Senate district, defeating incumbent Republican Glen Sturtevant. She is the first Muslim elected to the Senate of Virginia. She was officially sworn into office on January 8, 2020. Personal life. Hashmi moved to Richmond in 1991 with her husband, Azhar Rafiq, an associate professor at VCU School of Medicine. They have two daughters. Hashmi resides in Midlothian, Virginia. Her father is an academic. Hashmi's older brother is a professor in Massachusetts. Hashmi's younger sister is a physician in Florida . Electoral history. 2019 election. ! Date !! Election !! Candidate !! Party !! Votes !! % ! | Virginia Senate, 10th district ! | November 5, 2019