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It will be very exciting and inspiring to see Ghazala Hashmi sworn in as Lt. Governor (also, the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in the U.S.). It also will mark a massive upgrade from the current occupant of that office, Winsome “I AM SPEAKING” Earle-Sears, as well as an infinitely better alternative to the far-right/MAGA/anti-Muslim-bigot Republican who ran against her. Anyway, good luck to Ghazala Hashmi in her new job, and congratulations!
A Defining Moment in Virginia History as Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi Takes Her Oath of Office
RICHMOND, VA – Tomorrow, the Commonwealth of Virginia begins a new chapter in its history as Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi is sworn into office in a ceremony rich with constitutional and cultural significance.
Lt. Governor Hashmi will be sworn in by Chief Justice Cleo Powell, whose historic selection by her peer justices made her the first Black woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Commonwealth’s highest court. In standing together for the administration of the oath, two trailblazing leaders are united in their historic firsts.
Lt. Governor Hashmi is proud to take her oath on two significant texts: her family’s Qur’an and an original version of the United States Constitution printed in 1799 on loan from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture located in Richmond. These cultural and historic artifacts reflect the nation’s founding legal structures, our commitment to religious plurality and freedoms, and the richness of the Commonwealth’s diversity. Lt. Governor Hashmi is the first Muslim woman to be elected to statewide office in the United States.
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Gubernatorial Inauguration takes place on Saturday, January 17, at 12:00 PM EST on the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol.
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P.S. Thanks to regular Blue Virginia commenter Carol Lyman for the great photos; much appreciated!
