Inspirational Leader
Ghazala is the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sworn into office on January 17, 2026, her election marked a historic moment for the Commonwealth. She is the first Muslim woman to serve in statewide office in the nation and the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Virginia, reflecting the Commonwealth’s continued progress toward a more representative and inclusive democracy.
The daughter of immigrants who instilled in her the values of education, service, and civic responsibility, Ghazala was born in Hyderabad, India, and raised in the United States. Her life and career have been guided by a belief that government should reflect the people it serves and expand opportunity for every community.
As Lieutenant Governor, Ghazala is working alongside Governor Spanberger and members of the General Assembly to build a forward-looking Commonwealth that invests in education, protects fundamental freedoms, and ensures every Virginian has the opportunity to thrive.
Committed Educator
Ghazala earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University and a Ph.D. in American Literature from Emory University. She spent decades teaching at Virginia’s community colleges and became a trusted advocate for students, faculty, and workforce development.
In the classroom and beyond, Ghazala worked closely with students and families to open doors to higher education and economic opportunity. Her experience in education shaped her belief that strong public schools, accessible colleges, pathways through apprenticeship programs and career and technical training are essential to building thriving communities and a stronger Commonwealth.
Ghazala was also deeply engaged in community leadership, serving on boards, leading a Girl Scouts troop, and working with parents, educators, and civic leaders to strengthen public education and expand opportunity.
Effective Legislator
In 2019, Ghazala was elected to represent Richmond City and surrounding localities in the state Senate. Serving as Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, she quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful and effective leader committed to delivering real results for Virginians.
During her time in the Senate, Ghazala helped secure historic investments in K–12 and higher education, expanded access to affordable health care, protected reproductive freedom, advanced economic opportunity for working families, strengthened resources for individuals with disabilities, defended Virginia’s environment and natural resources, developed pathways for college and career opportunities, and much more. She consistently worked to strengthen civil rights protections and ensure that every Virginian has a fair chance to succeed.
Today, Ghazala continues that work as Lieutenant Governor, bringing the same commitment to opportunity, fairness, and public service to her leadership across the Commonwealth.