RICHMOND, Va. (Diya TV) — Virginia Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi unveiled her first general election ad, highlighting her experience as a mother and educator. The 30-second commercial, titled “Educator,” is part of a six-figure ad campaign airing across media markets statewide.
The ad emphasizes Hashmi’s commitment to education and workforce development. It portrays her as a candidate who understands the challenges families face while advocating for economic opportunities. “Ghazala fought for guys like me, expanding apprenticeships and technical training,” said a worker featured in the ad. “So we can get good-paying jobs, whether you go to college or not.”
Hashmi, a state senator, is running against former conservative talk show host John Reid in the November election. Recent polls show Hashmi leading Reid. A Virginia Commonwealth University survey released earlier this month indicated she holds a four-point advantage.
Hashmi positions her professional background as central to her campaign. The commercial showcases her dual roles as a mother and an educator, portraying her as deeply connected to both family and workforce issues. It underscores her work in public service and her advocacy for practical job training programs.
Her campaign’s focus on apprenticeships and technical education reflects a growing emphasis on skills-based opportunities for Virginians. By spotlighting this aspect of her platform, Hashmi aims to appeal to voters seeking practical solutions to economic challenges.
The ad comes at a politically charged moment for Virginia Democrats. Controversy erupted earlier this week over text messages sent in 2022 by the party’s attorney general nominee, Jay Jones. The messages referenced violence toward former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, a Republican.
Hashmi and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger quickly condemned the messages. “I have been very clear that political violence has no place in our country, and I condemn it at every turn,” Hashmi said. “Jay must take accountability for the pain his words have caused. We must demand better of our leaders and of each other.”
The controversy has drawn national attention. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Glenn Youngkin’s running mate, Republican candidate Winsome Sears, has called on Jones to withdraw from the race. Jones has apologized for the messages but has not indicated he will drop out. “I am so deeply, deeply sorry for what I said, and I wish that it hadn’t happened, and I would take it back if I could,” he told WRIC, a local station owned by Nexstar Media Group.
Hashmi’s campaign strategy relies on reinforcing her image as a leader who understands everyday Virginians’ needs. By focusing on education, workforce training, and family issues, she hopes to build a strong connection with voters.
Experts suggest that highlighting her personal and professional experiences may give her an edge in a competitive race. Her ad buy, reaching multiple media markets across the state, is designed to increase name recognition and strengthen her early lead.
Reid, her Republican opponent, has not yet released a competing ad focusing on education or workforce issues, leaving a potential opening for Hashmi to dominate that narrative. With polls showing a tight race, every message and ad placement could be decisive in the upcoming election.
