Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi

A statement from Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi that reads: "I support the decision of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to reject the proposed ICE site and strongly urge opposition to any other detention facilities within the county. The Board made clear that this proposal was advanced without transparency, without local input, and without regard for its impact on the community. "I have long advocated for a more accountable and humane approach to immigration enforcement in Virginia, and have raised concerns about expanding large-scale immigration detention facilities because of the real harms they cause, including family separation, insufficient regulation and safety standards, and the chilling effect they have on communities, schools, local law enforcement, the broader community, and fundamental human rights. "Moreover, large-scale detention has raised persistent legal concerns, particularly when oversight, standards of care, and due process protections are lacking, creating substantial legal and financial risk for states and localities, while doing nothing to solve the challenges within our immigration system and instead diverting resources away from what actually works: the rule of law, accountability, and transparency."

A statement from Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi that reads: “A federal law enforcement officer in Minneapolis has shot and killed another American: this time, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who cared for our veterans and dedicated his life to saving others. This shooting is not isolated. Recent actions by ICE and Border Patrol reflect a troubling escalation in the use of force and raise serious questions about training and oversight, putting communities and local law enforcement at risk. A thorough, independent investigation into this killing is crucial; anyone complicit in this violence must be held accountable. ICE must be reformed, retrained, and bound by the same laws that regulate all of our law enforcement agencies. We must put an end to lawless brutality and support local law enforcement as they work to protect our communities.”

This morning, I was truly honored to administer the ceremonial Oath of Office to Delegate May Nivar (@maynivar.com). Delegate Nivar makes history as the first Chinese American in Virginia’s General Assembly. I know that she will be a passionate voice for all of her constituents.

Honored to join the MOVE Chamber for Muslim Advocacy Day alongside community leaders and advocates. These conversations move us forward – strengthening access to opportunities and removing structural barriers for entrepreneurs and businesses across Virginia.

Volunteers with @everytown.org, @momsdemandaction.org, @studentsdemandaction.org, & others united their efforts today advocating for commonsense gun laws. We should refuse to accept gun violence as normal or beyond our ability to change & fight to protect our communities & our children.

It was wonderful to meet with the representatives from the The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates this morning. In 2024 alone, Virginia’s credit unions supported more than 112,000 jobs statewide and continue to strengthen local communities across our Commonwealth.

I was proud to speak at the Climate and Affordability Rally alongside advocates ready to deliver real solutions that lower costs, expand access to affordable clean energy, and hold corporations accountable. Together, we are forging a path toward a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient Commonwealth.

Thank you to the NAACP Virginia State Conference for inviting me to speak at last night’s Legislative Reception. The gathering brought together leaders dedicated to advancing justice & equity. I remain proud to stand with partners working to build inclusive & thriving communities across Virginia.

Congratulations to Alexandria City Councilman Kirk McPike on becoming our House District 5 Democratic nominee!

I was glad to meet with the Virginia Business Higher Education Council Board to discuss tuition assistance, talent pathways, and paid internships. After 30 years as an educator and community college professor, I know how life-changing access to higher education can be.

I had the pleasure of meeting the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. Private colleges & universities play a critical role in developing our workforce & supporting local communities. I remain committed to ensuring these institutions have the support they need to continue serving Virginians.

Governor @abigailspanberger.com delivered a powerful first address to the Joint Assembly this afternoon. I look forward to working closely with her and her administration to lower costs for Virginia’s families, strengthen our schools, and grow our economy.

Today I joined survivors & those who have lost loved ones to gun violence at the 34th Virginia Vigil & Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence, held on MLK Day. We are called upon to act, not because it is politically expedient, but because the lives, safety, & security of our communities are at stake.

Today marks my first official day presiding over the Senate of Virginia. With a directive on delivering for Virginia’s families, I look forward to the progress we will achieve on lowering costs, strengthening our schools, and moving our Commonwealth forward together.

Standing on the Senate floor one last time before taking the oath as your next Lieutenant Governor, I’m filled with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. Tomorrow we begin a new chapter that is guided by our values & a commitment to delivering results for Virginians.

Today I was honored to address VUU’s 48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Celebration. Dr. King’s vision continues to compel us to lead with visibility and consistency, and to evaluate our progress by measurable outcomes rather than aspirational promises.

It was wonderful to join the 60th Annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast this morning. My remarks focused on Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, the inspiration for our constitutional right of free exercise of religion enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Congratulations @ebpforva.bsky.social, our SD-39 Democratic nominee! We must work together to ensure Democrats win the Special Election on Tuesday, February 10.

We are stronger and more resilient together, and together we will forge a path forward in the Commonwealth where a child’s name, a family’s personal struggles, and a community’s identity are not barriers to belonging. (2/2)

As we head into the Inauguration, I wanted to begin with a celebration of the people and communities that helped us make history. (1/2)

Voters have sent a loud & clear message: we will not go back on our progress. Congratulations to Senator-elect Jones & Delegate-elect Schmidt! They will be strong champions for our communities, fighting for working families, protecting reproductive freedom, & making life more affordable.

Voters in SD-15 and HD-77: There is still time to vote in today's elections! Polls are open until 7:00pm. Individuals in line by 7:00pm should stay in line—you will be able to vote. Make a plan to get to the polls and ensure your voice is heard in these critical elections.

Richmond City and Chesterfield County voters: Today is the final day of early, in-person voting for elections in SD-15 and HD-77. Make a plan to cast your ballot and ensure your voice is heard in these crucial elections!

Voters in Richmond City and Chesterfield County: There are two elections happening now in Senate District 15 and House District 77! Make a plan to vote and ensure your voice is heard in these critical races.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy celebration tonight as we close out this year.

Wishing peace, blessings, justice, and joy for all in 2026.

Happy New Year!

Congratulations Garrett McGuire on becoming our Democratic nominee for HD-17! I look forward to working alongside fellow Democrats to ensure Garrett wins the General Election on January 20.

For every family that is celebrating the start of Kwanzaa today: May your home be full of hope, laughter, and the bounty of love. Happy Kwanzaa!

For all those who are celebrating in Virginia and around the world: May your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day be full of warmth, joy, and the love of family and friends. Merry Christmas!

My full statement in response to the Youngkin-majority University of Virginia Board of Visitors naming a new university president in the final days of his administration:

Congratulations to Gretchen Bulova on becoming our Democratic nominee for HD-11! Democrats must continue our momentum into January’s elections and send Gretchen to Richmond to fight on behalf of Virginia’s families.