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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter comes as our nation is reeling from yet another tragedy. A federal law enforcement officer in Minneapolis has shot and killed another American in Minneapolis: 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 newsletter is our first from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It reflects on our historic Inauguration weekend, highlights my first week presiding over the Senate Chamber as Virginia’s 43rd Lieutenant Governor, and spotlights select community engagements from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read and staying informed.
Inauguration
On Saturday, January 17, thousands of Virginians gathered in Capitol Square for the historic inauguration of the Spanberger-Hashmi-Jones administration. The invocations, ceremonies, and performances all reflected Virginia’s rich geographic and cultural diversity.
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Virginia Supreme Court 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, administered my Oath of Office on the steps of the State Capitol. On Saturday, I became the first Muslim woman in the history of the United States to be elected to a statewide office.
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For my Oath of Office, I was sworn in on two texts: my family’s Qur’an and an historic, original version of the United States Constitution on loan from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. This copy of the United States Constitution was published in Richmond in 1799 alongside other foundational American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, following a resolution of the Commonwealth’s General Assembly that five thousand copies be printed and distributed to county courts throughout the Commonwealth.
As I assume this new role, my focus and work continues to be on the issues that matter most to our communities: high quality public education, healthcare access, housing affordability, environmental protections, energy, and the economy.
I am truly honored to serve the Commonwealth as the 43rd Lieutenant Governor; I look forward to working with Governor Spanberger’s administration to deliver real results for all Virginians.
First Week Presiding Over the Chamber
This past Monday, I presided over the Virginia Senate as Lieutenant Governor for the first time; the Senate Chamber and its procedures are familiar to me because I have spent the past six years as a state Senator representing Richmond and its surrounding localities.
In the first few days of session, we advanced four landmark constitutional amendments, each of which will come before Virginia voters on their ballots this year. These amendments are designed to protect families’ reproductive health care, secure marriage equality, implement emergency congressional redistricting measures, and restore voting rights to Virginians who have completed felony sentences, giving all citizens a direct voice in shaping both the Commonwealth and the nation’s future. As the session moves forward, I will continue to share legislative highlights within this newsletter.
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Standing with Virginians
Thousands of Virginians came to Capitol Square to lobby their legislators and advocate for their causes during the first full week of the legislative session.
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On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I joined the 34th Annual Virginia Vigil and Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence. Under Democratic leadership, the Virginia General Assembly passed, and Governor Northam signed, significant legislation in response to increasing gun violence. These measures included Red flag laws, universal background checks, stronger domestic violence protections, and protections for minor children through safe storage. These laws have all been critical in making our communities safer, but more work remains, and additional legislation has been introduced this Session.
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On Wednesday, I joined environmental advocates for the Climate and Affordability Rally in Capitol Square. Under the Youngkin Administration, much of the progress we had achieved in the clean energy space came to a standstill, and now our legislature has a responsibility to build on previous efforts and make sure the clean energy transition works for everyone.
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On Thursday, I joined volunteers with Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, and Everytown for Gun Safety for a rally calling for stronger commonsense gun laws. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children within the United States, and an average of 121 children die by guns every year in Virginia. We cannot accept this level of violence and must work collectively to protect our communities, our families, and our children.
Select Community Engagements
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On Monday, I joined Governor Abigail Spanberger in her first State of the Commonwealth address as she outlined her vision and agenda to put Virginia on a course to lead in economic development, education, affordability, clean energy, and protecting Virginians' rights. I look forward to working alongside Governor Spanberger and the new General Assembly to make our collective vision a reality across our Commonwealth.
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On Tuesday morning, I joined the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia College Presidents for their day of action in Capitol Square. Our private institutions of higher learning serve students with nationally recognized programs, and I look forward to continuing to support tuition affordability measures.
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Shortly after, I joined the Virginia Business Higher Education Council Board to share my continued support and vision to ensure Virginia remains a top destination for talent and retention. Our shared goals and commitment to creating career pathways for our students will ensure opportunities for Virginians and help to address workforce needs.
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That evening, I was honored to share remarks at the NAACP Virginia State Conference, themed “Our Vote, Our Voice, Our Future: Building on Virginia’s Inclusive Mandate.” My message centered on our generational opportunity to deliver transformative policies that promote justice, equity, and opportunity for all Virginians. As Lieutenant Governor I will focus on delivering on these promises to all Virginians, regardless of zip code, background, or political affiliation.
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On Wednesday evening, I joined the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters for their legislative reception. During the 2026 session, members are advocating for increased cancer screenings for fire fighters as well as dedicated, sustainable funding for fire and EMS response.
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On Thursday, I welcomed the Virginia League of Credit Unions and Affiliates to my office to learn about their legislative priorities and their community-centered approach to expanding economic opportunity across Virginia.
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Shortly after, I met with members of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia ahead of their day of action in Capitol Square. Their voice and advocacy are critical to ensuring that reproductive freedom and women's rights remain protected in our Commonwealth.
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Later that morning, I joined the MOVE Chamber for its annual Muslim Advocacy Day at the Capitol MOVE’s work to elevate Muslim businesses and provide opportunities plays an important role in our Administration's efforts to create economic opportunities for all Virginians.
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In the evening, I attended the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Reception to share the legislative efforts in the General Assembly and opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships for Virginia’s Black business community and entrepreneurs.
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I concluded a busy Thursday by joining the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education alongside Governor Spanberger and Attorney General Jones for the Foundation’s 60th anniversary. The Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting student success and addressing educational disparities by delivering programs that empower our next generation of leaders to achieve their goals and meet Virginia’s workforce needs.
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On Friday, I was delighted to welcome the Virginia Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leadership team representing over 175,000 members across more than 950 Virginia schools. Their efforts remain critical to deliver academic success for students and ensure our teachers are supported through robust parent and family involvement.
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On Saturday, I administered the ceremonial Oath of Office for newly-elected Delegate May Nivar, representative for House District 57. The House of Delegates' 2026 freshman members illustrate the diversity and public service commitment to the common good needed in this moment. Delegate Nivar is the first Chinese American to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.
Connecting With My Office
Reach out to my office:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-593-2897
— Ghazala
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