Virginians took to the polls to vote in this week’s statewide primary elections. And in a tight race, Associated Press has announced state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, of Richmond, as the winner of the Democratic primary race for lieutenant governor.
The race was too close to call Tuesday night, when Hashmi, former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney, and Aaron R. Rouse, of Virginia Beach, appeared at the top of a six-candidate race.
As of Wednesday, June 18 at 1 p.m., Hashmi had the lead with 27.47 percent of the vote; Stoney had 26.69 percent; and Rouse had 26.15 percent, according to the Virginia Department of Elections (VDOE).
John J. Reid was the only Republican candidate and will face the Democratic winner in November.
Race for Attorney General and Governor
Meanwhile, former Norfolk delegate Jay Jones leads Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor in the Democratic race for attorney general, 51 percent to 49 percent, according to VDOE. The Associated Press has called the race for Jones. Incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares is the Republican candidate.
The top of the ticket has been set for months: Democratic former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are the only candidates from their parties, and they’ll face off in November. Barring a stunning upset, this election will produce Virginia’s first woman governor.
Spanberger, Hashmi, and Jones released the following statement on the 2025 election: “As the Democratic ticket running to serve as Virginia’s next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, we are united in our focus on the issues that matter to our fellow Virginians. Over the coming months, we will be relentless in communicating our vision for making Virginia more affordable, making Virginia’s public schools the best in America, protecting our Commonwealth’s economy, and defending Virginians’ rights. That’s the leadership Virginians deserve.”
Other Races
In the only local Republican primary, Gregory Gorham has 66 percent of the vote in a three-way race in House District 21 (Prince William County). He’ll face Democratic incumbent Josh Thomas in the fall.
In Arlington, Del. Patrick Hope appears to have won the primary for his House District 1 seat, according to the AP. He has 71 percent of the vote in a three-way race; he has no scheduled opponent in November.
Also in Arlington, County Board member Takis P. Karantonis has a 2-to-1 lead over challenger James DeVita.
As with all races, results won’t be official until the local election boards and VDOE certify them.
Feature image courtesy Andrey Popov/stock.adobe.com
