Politics in Virginia is never just a straight line. Honestly, if you were watching the lieutenant governor Virginia primary play out in 2025, you know it was less of a polite debate and more of a high-stakes chess match with some very big personalities. While the Governor’s mansion usually steals the spotlight, this specific race for the number two spot was where the real drama lived.
Most people assume the Lieutenant Governor is just a "wait-in-the-wings" role. In Virginia, it's actually a massive deal. They preside over the Senate and, more importantly, they break tie votes. When the Senate is split down the middle—which happens more than you'd think in Richmond—the LG is basically the most powerful person in the room.
The Democratic Primary: A Three-Way Photo Finish
The Democratic side of the lieutenant governor Virginia primary was a total nail-biter. You had a field that looked like a "who’s who" of Virginia power players. We’re talking about State Senators, mayors, and advocates all trying to convince the base they were the best shield against the GOP.
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi eventually pulled it off, but man, it was close. She ended up with about 27.5% of the vote. To put that in perspective, Levar Stoney, the former Richmond Mayor, was right on her heels at 26.5%, and Senator Aaron Rouse was basically tied with him at 26.2%.
Think about that for a second.
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A difference of roughly one percentage point separated the top three candidates. If a couple of neighborhoods in Northern Virginia or the 757 had turned out differently, we’d be looking at a completely different winner. Hashmi’s victory wasn't just a win; it was a survival story. She managed to build a coalition that blended her academic background—she was a community college professor for 30 years—with a progressive legislative record that clearly resonated with primary voters who were worried about the national political climate.
Why the Field Was So Crowded
- Ghazala Hashmi: Focused on reproductive rights and education.
- Levar Stoney: Leaned on his executive experience as Mayor of the capital.
- Aaron Rouse: Gambled on his "mainstream appeal" and Virginia Beach roots.
- Babur Lateef: A local school board chair who brought a North Virginia perspective.
- Alex Bastani & Victor Salgado: Brought specialized legal and economic arguments but struggled to get oxygen in such a heavy-hitter race.
The spending was also wild. We're talking millions of dollars poured into 30-second TV spots and mailers that probably ended up in everyone's recycling bins. Hashmi and Stoney both burned through over $2 million each just to get through June.
The Republican Side: The Primary That Wasn’t
Over on the GOP side, things were... quieter. But not because there wasn't interest.
Initially, there was supposed to be a real contest. You had John Reid, a well-known radio host from WRVA, and Pat Herrity, a long-time Fairfax County Supervisor. For a minute there, it looked like we were going to see a classic "Northern Virginia vs. The Rest of the State" showdown.
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Then, everything changed.
Pat Herrity had to pull out of the race due to health reasons right around the filing deadline. Suddenly, the primary was basically over before it started. John Reid became the nominee by default. It’s kinda fascinating because while the Democrats were busy punching each other out for months, Reid was able to save his energy—and his money—for the general election.
Reid’s platform was classic Virginia GOP: cutting the car tax (a perennial favorite), focusing on "critical thinking over political bias" in schools, and a heavy "law and order" message. He was also a historic candidate in his own right, running as the first openly gay Republican nominee for statewide office in Virginia.
What Actually Decided the Primary?
If you're wondering what the secret sauce was for the lieutenant governor Virginia primary, it really came down to three things:
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- Northern Virginia (NOVA) Turnout: In the Democratic primary, if you didn't win big in Fairfax, Prince William, or Loudoun, you were toast.
- Endorsements: Hashmi got a massive boost from established groups and fellow legislators, which helped her stand out in a field where everyone's platform sounded sorta similar.
- The "Trump Factor": Democratic voters were looking for a candidate who seemed like they could go toe-to-toe with the federal administration. Hashmi leaned hard into her identity as an immigrant and a Muslim woman, framing her candidacy as a direct rebuttal to the national GOP rhetoric.
What Most People Get Wrong About the LG Role
There’s this misconception that the Lieutenant Governor is just a ceremonial position. That's a huge mistake.
Because Virginia governors can't serve consecutive terms, the LG is almost always the front-runner for the next governor’s race. Winsome Earle-Sears, the incumbent during the 2025 primary, didn't run for re-election because she was busy running for Governor. By winning the lieutenant governor Virginia primary, Ghazala Hashmi didn't just win a job; she effectively became the heir apparent for the Virginia Democratic Party.
Actionable Insights for Virginia Voters
If you want to keep track of how these primary results actually affect your life, here’s what you should do:
- Watch the Tie-Breakers: Keep an eye on the state Senate sessions in 2026. Since the LG breaks ties, the winner of this primary (and the subsequent general) will literally decide whether bills on housing, taxes, and healthcare pass or die.
- Check the Campaign Finance: Look at who funded the primary winners via sites like VPAP. It’ll tell you exactly which industries and interest groups have the ear of the new administration.
- Follow the Legislation: Primary winners usually run on "big ideas." See which of Hashmi’s education or healthcare promises actually turn into bills in the General Assembly.
The 2025 primary wasn't just a hurdle to jump over; it was the moment the future of Virginia's leadership was decided. Hashmi’s narrow victory over Stoney and Rouse showed a party that is energized but deeply divided on which direction to take. On the other side, the GOP's "accidental" coronation of Reid set up a ideological contrast that defined the entire 2025 cycle.
If you're paying attention to the lieutenant governor Virginia primary, you're basically looking at the 2029 Governor's race four years early. Don't look away.
Next Steps to Stay Informed:
- Verify your voter registration status for the upcoming local elections through the Virginia Department of Elections portal.
- Review the 2025 campaign finance disclosures on VPAP to see how primary spending influenced the general election results.
- Monitor the Virginia General Assembly's legislative calendar for January 2026 to see the new Lieutenant Governor preside over their first Senate session.