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The role of the Lieutenant Governor has three primary responsibilities: first, to be ready at any moment to step in as Governor; second, to serve as an advisor and sit on important boards; and third, to preside over the Senate.
The first role of the Lieutenant Governor is to serve as a Governor-in-waiting. This means being prepared to assume the governorship should something happen to the current Governor. Politically, the role is often viewed as the party’s next choice for Governor. Recent history shows this pattern: Governors Northam, Kaine, and Wilder all previously served as Lieutenant Governor. This role also carries significant political influence, as the Lieutenant Governor often plays a key part in campaigns and party leadership.
The second role is to serve on advisory boards. The Lieutenant Governor sits on several influential boards that help guide the Commonwealth, including the Board of Trustees of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Center for Rural Virginia, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Military Advisory Council, the Commonwealth Preparedness Council, and the Council on Virginia’s Future. These boards are vital to how the administration governs and directs policy.
Finally, the Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate and casts the deciding vote in the event of a tie. This is a critical role, especially in a closely divided legislature. Currently, Democrats hold only a two-seat majority in the Senate. If Republicans win just one more seat in the 2027 election, the Lieutenant Governor would likely cast the tie-breaking vote on many pieces of legislation. Even now, the tie-breaking power matters. Earlier this year, Winsome Sears broke a tie to protect Virginia’s proud tradition of dog hunting, a major victory for those who support it.
Senator Hashmi is one of the most radical Democrats in the General Assembly. She sponsored SB 280, misleadingly called “medical aid in dying,” which is actually physician-assisted suicide. She is a staunch supporter of abortion, backing a constitutional amendment that would allow abortion up to the moment of birth. She opposes Virginia’s Right-to-Work law, openly stating that she would like to see it abolished. She also co-sponsored legislation to impose a five-day waiting period on firearm purchases and a bill that would have banned so-called “assault weapons.” These extreme policies are wrong for Virginia, and they are especially concerning for someone who would be next in line to the Governorship.
Although this race may not attract as much attention as the top of the ticket or the Attorney General’s race, it is critical. We must stand united and vote for commonsense Republican leadership. The Democratic ticket this year is too radical for Virginia, and now is the time to take a stand.
My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]
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