Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi

My office was honored to host the Lieutenant Governor’s Inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, bringing together state leaders to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Latine and Hispanic communities.

I had such a lovely time at the third annual Wild at Heart at the Science Museum of Virginia. Beyond spending time with these sweet animals, this event supports a cause that helps animal welfare nonprofits across Virginia.

Today marks 175 years since Virginia voters ratified the Constitution of 1851, establishing the Office of Lieutenant Governor as an elected statewide position.

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with students from across the Commonwealth as a part of the 3rd Annual Virginia Government Simulation. Programs such as these are essential for deepening understanding of government & expanding knowledge to future generations on the power of their voices.

Today’s Goochland Affordability Roundtable with Congressman Tom Perriello and Delegate May Nivar was about something deeply personal to so many Virginians: the struggle to make ends meet and the uncertainty families face as the cost of living continues to rise.

Behind every conversation about affordability is a real person—a parent trying to put food on the table, a family worried about keeping a roof over their heads, a senior stretching a fixed income, or a worker doing everything right and still struggling to get ahead.

After more than 50 years serving the Virginia Senate, Susan Schaar leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. She has made a lasting mark on the institution, earning her respect across party lines & setting an example of fairness, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

By helping bring this monument to life, she helped ensure that the courage, sacrifices, and accomplishments of Virginia women receive the recognition they deserve and that their stories continue to inspire future generations.

After more than 50 years serving the Virginia Senate, Susan Schaar leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. She has made a lasting mark on the institution, earning her respect across party lines & setting an example of fairness, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

I am so inspired by a recent gathering of women CEOs, small business leaders, and executive professionals and our conversation about shared priorities at this critical moment that is shaping our nation’s economic, technological, political, and social future.

Today in Buena Vista, Virginians stood up to protect healthcare and demand accountability. When HR 1 passed, Augusta Health announced the closure of three local clinics, citing the bill’s devastating effects. These closures threaten access to care for the people who need it most.

Today, I joined local leaders in the City of Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, and the City of Lexington to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Rockbridge Area Department of Social Services facility.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the histories, cultures, & enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples. Today is also a time to reflect on the injustices Indigenous communities have faced & recognize the importance of preserving Indigenous voices, traditions, & sovereignty.

I was delighted to spend last Monday morning with 250 middle schoolers from Richmond and Henrico for our Banned Books Week celebration. I especially enjoyed reading excerpts from “Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition” with the students and hearing their thoughts and questions.

The morning was made more special with a poetry reading of the Poet Laureate of Virginia: Dr. Latorial Faison & a discussion by former Secretary of Education Anne Holton. Thank you to our Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Sesha Moon, students, educators, librarians, and volunteers.

This week, I released the Energy Costs Listening Tour Report, following five stops across Virginia. We heard directly from hundreds of Virginians about rising energy costs and their concerns about the proposed Dominion–NextEra takeover.

Today is a day of historic commemoration. Virginia celebrates the first regular session of the elected House of Delegates and Senate that convened in Williamsburg in October 1776 after the declaration of independence.

Over the course of five listening sessions in September, we heard from Virginians in communities across the Commonwealth and began to see the same concerns emerge around the proposed takeover.

Five days, three cities, and conversations with hundreds of Virginians about the people, communities, and future of our Commonwealth.

Last week, my staff and I volunteered at Open Door Café in Wytheville. Open Door Café is Virginia’s only “donate-what-you-can” restaurant, offering everyone who walks through the door t chance to volunteer service in exchange for a home cooked meal, regardless of ability to pay.

Since January 2026, Open Door has served 2,900 volunteer meals, a remarkable example of neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers & staff grow their produce, work with local businesses to reduce food waste, & rely on a community that shows up each day to keep their neighbors fed.

After five stops across the Commonwealth, we’ve heard from Virginians about what they need from our energy future. Their concerns may differ, but they share a clear expectation: reliability, transparency, and energy costs people can afford.

What a fantastic afternoon in Wytheville for the Acres of Democrats CD-9 Annual Fundraiser! Since 1960, this event has brought Democrats from across the Fighting Ninth together. The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to Southwest Virginia were on full display.

My team and I had a full-circle moment at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum this morning; we got to see the kurta and pants I wore at my 2026 LG Inaugural Ball which is now featured in the exhibit on historical women’s clothing.