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Virginia Democratic lineup set, with Hashmi declared winner of lieutenant governor race
Virginia state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi of Richmond won a six-way Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, according to election results projected by the Associated Press, completing the party’s lineup of nominees for November statewide elections in which Republicans and Democrats alike have a chance to make history. ... Hashmi, 60, an Indian immigrant and former literature professor and community college administrator, would become Virginia’s first statewide officeholder who is Muslim or South Asian if elected in November. She faces Republican John Reid, who would be the state’s first openly gay statewide elected official if he wins.
Stoney concedes to Hashmi in lieutenant governor primary
Former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney conceded the lieutenant governor race to State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi Wednesday morning. Both the GOP and Democratic ballots in November are now set to be among the most historically diverse tickets in Virginia history. The AP called the race for Hashmi Wednesday morning after Stoney's concession. "I'm incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the many Virginians who supported our efforts to fight for a fair shot for all Virginians," Stoney said in a statement. "Unfortunately, in this primary we came up a little short."
Winsome Earle-Sears outlines pathway to GOP victory in Virginia that will defy the odds
Four years after winning statewide office in Virginia, Winsome Earle-Sears is back in the political arena. But this time around, the lieutenant governor hopes to succeed her boss, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), as the Old Dominion’s chief executive. It won’t be easy. Youngkin and Earle-Sears flipped Virginia red in 2021 by running a campaign built on backlash toward former President Joe Biden's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earle-Sears focuses on message in tough race to keep swing-state ‘red’
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears was officially named the Republican Party’s gubernatorial nominee on Tuesday evening, and during an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, she described herself as "not a very conventional candidate." She said her goal is to reach voters across the political spectrum while working to keep Virginia’s historic state capitol – America’s oldest – under Republican leadership.
In Virginia and New Jersey governor’s races, Democrats reprise a 2018 roadmap for opposing Trump 2.0
Abigail Spanberger opened her general election bid for Virginia governor Wednesday using her high school alma mater near Richmond. “I grew up walking the halls of Tucker High School,” the former congresswoman says as she walks past a bank of lockers in her first ad since securing the Democratic nomination. Later, she notes her experience as a CIA case officer, then in the halls of Congress as a tough-minded, get-things-done lawmaker. The same kind of message is echoing in New Jersey from Rep. Mikie Sherrill, as she also makes a bid for governor. Both women are selling themselves as Democrats who can rise above the rancor of Donald Trump’s Washington.
Democrats hoping for anti-Trump backlash in Virginia’s race to elect first female governor
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican, faces an uphill climb against former Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s gubernatorial race, according to analysts and party insiders who say the state’s political landscape favors Democrats. Republicans, though, insist Democrats face a serious challenge convincing voters who have been relatively happy with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s leadership that it is time for an ideological shake-up. “The Democrats will represent a dramatic change from the direction the state has been in for the last four years,” said Jeff Ryer, chairman of the 1st Congressional District Republican Party. “I am not sure Virginians are ready for a change that would align this state with California, Illinois and New York.”
Sparks fly and Trump talk heats up after Virginia primary
Political fireworks erupted across the state after Virginia’s high-stakes Tuesday primaries, with top candidates wasting no time going on offense slamming their opponents, invoking President Donald Trump, and setting the tone for what’s expected to be a bruising general election. Democratic nominee for Attorney General Jay Jones lit the match Tuesday night, telling supporters that Trump is still pulling strings in Virginia politics.
Youngkin advocates ‘commonsense’ in November following Virginia primaries
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) highlighted the impending elections across Virginia, urging voters to support “our Commonsense Team” this November. Virginia’s primary election day on Tuesday saw the Democratic Party select its candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Following the Republican Party’s surprise victory in the 2021 elections, Youngkin said that “the teams are now set” before Election Day on Nov. 4, stressing that “the future of Virginia is on the line.”
Virginia Democrats coalesce as primary election sets statewide ticket. Will Republicans?
Virginia Democrats solidified their statewide ticket Tuesday, voting for state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi as the nominee for lieutenant governor and former Del. Jay Jones as the nominee for attorney general in the state’s primary elections. Before the lieutenant governor’s primary had been called, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger issued her congratulations, calling Hashmi a “proven leader.” With the stage set for Virginia’s bellwether election, Spanberger, Hashmi and Jones put out a joint statement Wednesday emphasizing their unified campaign. ... That’s a markedly different strategy from Virginia Republicans, who have had a set statewide ticket since April but have thus far been going it alone.
Early findings from state studies reveal growing pharmacy and transportation challenges in Virginia
Pharmacy closures and transportation barriers are making it harder for Virginians, especially those in rural communities, to access health care. On Wednesday, staff with the Joint Commission on Health Care presented preliminary findings from two studies that could shape policy discussions in next year’s General Assembly session. The studies focused on pharmacy deserts and the challenges Virginians face getting to medical appointments. Researchers drew on state data as well as on insights from interviews with pharmacists and community leaders.