NATIONAL

Ghazala Hashmi scripts history, sworn in as Virginia’s first Indian American Lt.Governor

Thursday, 22 Jan, 2026
(Screengrab from the live telecast)

Hyderabad-born Ghazala Hashmi, the first Indian American and first Muslim woman to win a statewide office in Virginia, took the oath of office by placing her hand on the Quran, with her husband and daughters witnessing the historic moment. The oath of office was administered by Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Cleo Powell during an inauguration ceremony on Jan. 17 at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.