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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter discusses illness outbreaks in Virginia, provides information on tomorrow’s primary elections, shares reflections from our 2026 Governor’s Fellows, and highlights select community engagements from this past week. Thank you for reading this newsletter and staying informed.
Monitoring Illness Outbreaks in Virginia
Virginia is experiencing notable increases in several communicable diseases this year, reflecting broader trends in regional and national public health. Virginia’s count of confirmed measles cases has increased by 35% [[link removed]] compared to a total of only 5 reported cases in 2025. As of Thursday, July 30, 177 confirmed measles cases have been identified in Virginia; updates are provided biweekly by the Virginia Department of Health ( VDH [[link removed]] ).
The latest outbreak is reported from Buckingham and Cumberland Counties. According to CDC data, Virginia now ranks fourth [[link removed]] nationally in the number of reported measles cases. Overall, the nation is seeing a 35-year [[link removed]] record high in measles.
Measles is not our only concern; Virginia has also experienced higher-than-normal cases of cyclosporiasis , a gastrointestinal illness resulting from parasitic infection. As of July 23, the number of cases in 2026 has already exceeded the five-year average of 116 [[link removed]] , with 126 confirmed cases in Virginia; these statistics are updated weekly as well by VDH [[link removed]] .
The sad truth is these outbreaks are largely preventable. President Trump and his administration have pushed against life-saving vaccinations. Additionally, DOGE cuts and Trump’s executive order to “ restructure [[link removed]] ” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have impacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local health departments throughout the country. Since taking office, several actions have catastrophically impacted the nation’s public health protections, including the following:
* CDC removal of $11.4 billion [[link removed]] in funding for state and local health departments which, for Virginia, has resulted in $425 million [[link removed]] of lost funding for the VDH
* Layoffs affecting thousands [[link removed]] of CDC employees as well as 1,500 [[link removed]] layoffs at the National Institute of Health
* Reduction of the FDA workforce by over 3,000 [[link removed]] employees last year which means fewer and long-delays in inspections and enforcements of regulations
* Scaling back CDC food safety monitoring and prevention system, FoodNet [[link removed]]
* These reductions in funding and personnel have weakened the nation’s ability to protect public health. The decrease in CDC funding hampers the capacity of state and local health departments to effectively track and respond to disease outbreaks, and the layoffs among FDA food inspectors increase the risk of unsafe food and products reaching consumers.
Virginia is not alone in feeling the effects of the current administration’s decisions. Our neighboring states of North Carolina and West Virginia are also experiencing elevated cases of cyclosporiasis, with North Carolina reporting 718 [[link removed]] cases and West Virginia 245 [[link removed]] . Tragically, today two deaths linked to cyclosporiasis were reported in Michigan [[link removed]] , the first such deaths to occur during this nationwide outbreak. A little further down the coast, South Carolina is reporting 997 [[link removed]] cases of confirmed measles.
Virginia’s growing measles and cyclosporiasis outbreaks underscore a broader, national weakening of public health capacity. The rise in preventable diseases is not occurring in isolation; it reflects the cumulative impact of major federal cuts to CDC, FDA, and HHS personnel and programs that state and local health departments rely on to keep communities safe. Rebuilding and strengthening that infrastructure is essential to protecting Virginians and ensuring future outbreaks can be identified early, contained quickly, and prevented altogether.
Primary Election Day is Tomorrow
Primary Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4 . A list of all primaries scheduled throughout Virginia is available through the Virginia Department of Elections [[link removed]-(rev-5-28-26)-(for-web).pdf] .
Voting on Election Day
For those voters who did not cast early or mail-in ballots, Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4:
Polls statewide are open from 6:00 am until 7:00 pm.
Election Day polling locations can be confirmed at the Virginia Department of Elections [[link removed]] .
An acceptable form of ID [[link removed]] is required.
Curbside voting is available for voters with disabilities or mobility limitations.
After July 24 and through Election Day, August 4, new voters may register and vote using a provisional ballot in-person.
Absentee Voting
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, August 4, and received by August 7 at 12:00 pm. Individuals who requested an absentee ballot but now prefer to vote in-person must bring the absentee ballot to the polling location to be voided. More information on absentee ballots and voting is available at the Virginia Department of Elections [[link removed]] .
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Reflections from Our Governor’s Fellows
My office has been privileged to host two distinguished Governor’s Fellows this Summer. As their program concluded this past week, they shared thoughts about their experiences:
Sarah , a native of the New River Valley and recent graduate from Radford University, shared these reflections about her experience as a 2026 Governor’s Fellow:
My fellowship experience in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office through the Governor’s Fellows Program has been both an honor and an invaluable learning opportunity. Over the past eight weeks, I contributed to constituent services, strategic communications, and social media initiatives, while also conducting research and monitoring legislative policy related to rural healthcare access, public education, and Virginia’s agricultural sector.
As part of the program, I collaborated with four other fellows to develop a policy proposal aimed at protecting and preserving Virginia’s farms. This project significantly strengthened my understanding of effective policy research, development, and implementation, and it deepened my appreciation for the critical role that state agencies and partners play in advancing collaborative solutions.
Most meaningful, however, has been the support and mentorship provided by the Lieutenant Governor and her staff. Their guidance enhanced my understanding of state government operations and encouraged my curiosity throughout the fellowship. I leave this experience with greater confidence in my ability to learn quickly, adapt to new challenges, and contribute meaningfully to a team and mission that works to expand opportunities for all Virginians.
JaNell , a PhD candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University and a Metro Richmond resident, shared these reflections on her time with our office:
When I applied to become a Governor’s Fellow, I honestly had no idea what I was signing up for. Like most people, I read the description, submitted my application, and hoped for the best. I came into the fellowship expecting to listen, and I did. I expected to learn, and I learned more than I ever imagined.
I had the privilege of hearing from agency leaders, cabinet secretaries, legislators, community partners, and public servants who have dedicated their careers to serving the Commonwealth. Along the way, I built relationships with people whose encouragement, wisdom, and belief in me are gifts I will carry for the rest of my life.
What I didn’t expect was how often I would be invited into the conversation. Whether I was contributing to policy discussions, preparing executive briefings, representing the Office on visits across Virginia, or sharing my perspective during meetings, I realized that my lived experiences could contribute in meaningful ways. My opinions weren’t simply heard; they were valued. That meant more to me than I can adequately express.
One experience that especially stayed with me was visiting Norfolk’s Family Justice Center after touring the YWCA’s future facility. Watching local government, law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, nonprofit organizations, and community partners work together reminded me that meaningful change is built through collaboration. No single agency has all the answers, but when people are willing to listen to one another and work toward a shared purpose, communities are stronger because of it. Throughout the fellowship, I was reminded that every policy affects people on both sides of it.
Every decision reaches beyond a conference room and touches individuals, families, and communities. I appreciated being part of conversations where different perspectives were welcomed because those perspectives help create stronger policies and better outcomes for the people of Virginia.
Public service isn’t about telling people what they want to hear. It’s about listening, asking thoughtful questions, considering different perspectives, and working toward solutions that improve the lives of others. That may be the most valuable lesson I will take with me from this fellowship.
As I prepare to begin my doctoral studies in Public Policy and Administration, I leave this fellowship with lasting relationships, unforgettable experiences, and an even deeper commitment to serving the Commonwealth of Virginia.
I am sincerely grateful to Governor Abigail Spanberger, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, the fellowship team, and every leader who invested in us throughout the summer. Thank you for trusting us with meaningful work, welcoming our perspectives, and demonstrating that leadership is not simply about holding a position. It is about serving people with integrity, humility, and purpose.
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Our Governor’s Fellows receiving proclamations from Secretary of Administration Traci DeShazor.
Select Community Engagements
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On Tuesday, our 2026 Governor’s Fellows presented their final policy projects focused on strengthening the healthcare workforce career and technical education and preserving Virginia’s farmland from land loss. As part of their research, they collaborated with various state agencies and secretariats to provide a fresh perspective on issues affecting our Commonwealth. Their passion for service and commitment to improving the lives of Virginians reflect the best of our Commonwealth.
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On Thursday evening, I joined members of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s 2026 annual democracy dinner to discuss the inflection point at which our 250-year-old nation finds itself. Change begins within our communities, state, and nation when we work for common goals with determination, perseverance, and deliberate action to improve the lives of all people, especially those who do not have a voice.
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On Friday morning, I joined Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Congressman Bobby Scott, and Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for NASA Langley’s new Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF). FDRF is a state-of-the-art wind tunnel – a machine designed as a building – to support technology, research, and safety protocols for entry, descent, and landing of missions returning from the Moon and Mars, as well as exploration of Venus and Saturn’s moon, Titan. The FDRF will also play a major role in experimental research for NASA’s future development of autonomous flight vehicles, drones, and X-planes.
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On Saturday, I attended the 19th Annual National Convention of the American Telugu Association (ATA), which serves a diverse community of professionals, entrepreneurs, physicians, educators, engineers, public servants, and community leaders. I addressed the ATA Women’s Forum, Youth Forum, US Politics Forum, and later delivered remarks to the full convention which brought together 5000 - 8000 members from around the country.
Connect With Me
Stay up to date on my work across the Commonwealth, upcoming events, and the issues that matter most to Virginia families:
* Facebook: Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi [[link removed]]
* Instagram: @LtGovHashmi [[link removed]]
* Threads: @LtGovHashmi [[link removed]]
* Bluesky: @LtGovHashmi.Bsky.Social [[link removed]]
* X: @LtGovHashmi [[link removed]]
* Website: Ghazala Hashmi [[link removed]]
Connecting With My Office
Reach out to my office via email or phone:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-593-2897
— Ghazala
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Email us: [email protected] [[email protected]]
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