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Dear Friend,
We took a couple of weeks’ break because of schedules that were going in every direction, but I am delighted to provide some updates of the recent activities. This newsletter discusses the start of early voting, shares work being done through legislative commissions on which I serve, highlights my office’s Shadowing the Senator program, reflects on select community engagements from recent weeks, and shares messages for Hispanic Heritage Month and Rosh Hashanah. Thank you for reading this newsletter and for staying informed.
Early Voting is Underway
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4 , and Virginians have already started voting! Voters can vote in-person from now until November 1. In recent General Assembly sessions, Democrats have successfully championed laws that expand voting access including no-excuse early voting, mail-in ballots, and same-day voter registration. Virginians now have the ability to vote early, in-person, 45 days before Election Day. To check voter registration status, request a ballot to vote by mail, and learn more information about upcoming elections, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website [[link removed]] or I Will Vote [[link removed]] .
For my constituents in Senate District 15 (Chesterfield County and City of Richmond), early voting information is as follows:
Early Voting Locations: Chesterfield County
Early in-person voting is available at Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd, Chesterfield). Please note that early voting is not available at the Chesterfield Registrar’s Office.
Additional satellite locations will be available beginning Monday, October 20. Verify voting hours for satellite locations through the Chesterfield Registrar’s Office [[link removed]] . Residents registered to vote in Chesterfield County may vote at any of the following locations during this next phase of the early voting period (October 20 through November 1):
* Clover Hill Library (6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian)
* Ettrick-Matoaca Library (4501 River Road, South Chesterfield)
* LaPrade Library (9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield)
* Meadowdale Library (4301 Meadowdale Boulevard, North Chesterfield)
* North Courthouse Road Library (325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield)
Early Voting Locations: City of Richmond
Early in-person voting is available for City of Richmond residents at the Office of Elections (2134 West Laburnum Avenue, Richmond).
Additional satellite locations will be available beginning Monday, October 20. Verify voting hours for satellite locations through the Richmond Registrar’s Office [[link removed]] . Residents registered to vote in the City of Richmond may vote at any of the following locations during this next phase of the early voting period (October 20 through November 1):
* City Hall (900 East Broad Street, Richmond)
* Hickory Hill Community Center (3000 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond)
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Committees, Commissions, and Boards
As a member of the following committees and commissions, I attended several meetings over the past two weeks.
Joint Commission on Technology and Science
On September 3, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science [[link removed]] received presentations on various issues regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and broadband expansion in Virginia. Some of these presentations included briefings on AI Training Data [[link removed]] and evaluations on legislation regarding Algorithmic Pricing Devices [[link removed]] and AI Provenance and Labeling [[link removed]] .
Virginia Disability Commission
On September 4, the Virginia Disability Commission heard presentations regarding ongoing efforts with our state agencies, updates from service providers that work with Virginians with disabilities, and ongoing efforts to develop legislation and budgetary recommendations for the 2026 session. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles highlighted ongoing efforts with the state’s Blue Envelope Program [[link removed]] , meant to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Virginia Centers for Independent Living highlighted ongoing challenges with accessing Medicaid dollars to assist with transition coordination and services for individuals leaving nursing facilities. We also heard presentations on the criminal justice system’s interactions with individuals with disabilities, crisis services support that exist with our Community Services Boards across the state, and how higher education institutions and state-level programs for post-secondary education support students with disabilities. The progress and challenges outlined in these presentations will continue to guide our work as we develop our Commission priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session. All meeting presentations and materials are available through the Virginia Disability Commission [[link removed]] .
Virginia Housing Commission Neighborhood Transitions Workgroup
On September 8, the Virginia Housing Commission Neighborhood Transition Workgroup [[link removed]] met for its second meeting of the year to continue its discussion of legislation from the 2025 session. Subject matter experts and witnesses shared their perspectives on proposed legislation seeking to increase mortgage options, workforce development, and tree preservation efforts. The Workgroup later received a presentation on contributing factors and solutions to the rising housing costs and supply shortages [[link removed]] . The full Housing Commission body will next meet on October 6, continuing its 2025 study topics ahead of our 2026 legislative session.
Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee
On September 16, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee [[link removed]] (SFAC) convened to receive updates about Virginia's revenue and future forecasts. The Committee aimed to better understand the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the state’s tax conformity, based on a presentation by Secretary of Finance Stephen E. Cummings [[link removed]] . My SFAC colleagues and I will remain vigilant over the following months, as we gain a better understanding of our budgetary needs as more Medicaid program cuts take effect, in addition to monitoring unemployment rates, as those federal workers who choose the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments conclude in October.
The Committee also received a financial overview from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority [[link removed]] , which covered industry trends, cost control efforts, and a summary of the fiscal year 2025 balance sheet along with future budgetary forecasts. Our meeting concluded with a presentation from the Virginia Lottery [[link removed]] , which highlighted its financial performance for fiscal year 2025 and its contributions to K-12 public education.
Joint Commission on Health Care
On September 17, the Joint Commission on Health Care [[link removed]] (JCHC), on which I serve as Vice Chair, met. The Commission was first briefed by Commission staff on the 2025 Health Metrics Annual Report [[link removed]] , explaining recent trends in prevalent health conditions and health care accessibility for Virginians. The full report [[link removed]] is publicly available. Then staff provided their concluded report Policy Solutions to the Commonwealth’s Fentanyl Crisis [[link removed]] , a culmination of nine months of research. The full report [[link removed]] is available.
The Commission will meet again on Wednesday, October 22, to continue our discussions identifying areas of policy and budgetary interests for the 2026 General Assembly session.
Shadowing the Senator
My office recently hosted a “Shadowing the Senator” program participant: Victoria. A student at Richard Bland College, Victoria sought out the shadowing opportunity to learn more about our public policy process. Her shadowing day consisted of attending the Joint Commission on Technology and Science, a tour of the General Assembly Building and the Capitol, and one-on-one meetings with me and my staff. Victoria shared these reflections on her experience with my office:
Shadowing Senator Hashmi was a great experience. Senator Hashmi as well as her staff were very welcoming and insightful. This experience allowed me to have more of an understanding of the dedication that our government officials put into our communities. Senator Hashmi and her staff's authenticity, transparency, and passion was refreshing and made me feel comfortable and inspired.
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Select Community Engagements
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On Wednesday, September 3, my Legislative Assistant joined Virginia Commonwealth University social work students as part of their Boys to Men Mentoring Network of VA internship to discuss his personal journey, work in public services, and focus areas I have worked on in the Virginia Senate.
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On Friday, September 5, I joined The RVA Latina Show [[link removed]] at Ultra Radio Richmond to share my priorities for the position of Lieutenant Governor. I look forward to continuing to support education and workforce initiatives that help our Latino communities thrive, making our communities more resilient across our Commonwealth.
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Later that Friday afternoon, I led our Richmond City General Assembly Delegation conversation with the Richmond City School Board to better understand our students' needs and plan our collective path forward ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
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On Saturday, September 6, I was honored to join the Henrico NAACP annual Freedom Fund Banquet alongside champions for justice and equality as we recommit ourselves to combating hate and discrimination in our communities.
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On Sunday, September 7, I traveled to Fairfax County in support of my friend, now-Congressman James Walkinshaw, ahead of the September 9, Virginia 11th Congressional District special elections. At this junction in our nation's history, we need leaders in D.C. who will stand up for the rule of law and seek solutions for the complex issues of our time with determination and moral clarity.
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On September 8, my staff attended U.S. Senator Mark Warner’s Keys To Housing Affordability Summit to hear presentations on market data analysis, panel discussions from local initiatives, and non-profit organizations. I look forward to working alongside our federal, local, regional, and industry partners to address housing stability and affordability across the Commonwealth.
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Later that evening, I joined the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Dominion Energy’s Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center public comment hearing, as it seeks DEQ air quality permit approval. I call on the DEQ to deny Dominion’s air permit, and also call on Dominion Energy to change course and instead help Virginia lead the way to a strong clean energy transition.
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Wednesday, September 10, I joined the members of Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats for their annual fundraiser to share my vision for a Virginia where the rights of all are protected and every young person is empowered to reach their full potential in the Commonwealth with attainable education, affordable housing, access to jobs, and safe communities to live in.
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Throughout the week, I hosted education roundtables in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Norfolk highlighting the work I have done and will continue to do to protect public education as Virginia’s next Lieutenant Governor. Democrats have made great progress, investing billions of dollars in public education, lifting the Recession-era support cap, and increasing support for our most vulnerable students, including students experiencing poverty and students with disabilities. All of these efforts are on the ballot this November, because people such as my opponent seek to defund public schools.
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On Friday, September 12, I traveled to Clarke County for their annual Hob Knob in the Valley. It was wonderful to connect with so many community members and local leaders to discuss how we can move Virginia forward together.
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On Sunday, September 14, I was delighted to give remarks at the 42nd Festival of India. A well-established Richmond tradition, the Festival of India welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy Indian food, music, art, and cultural experiences.
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Later that evening, the weekend concluded with a wonderful event hosted by the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC). I am honored to have the endorsement of VLBC and its members, who have been crucial partners throughout my time in the General Assembly advancing legislation and budget priorities so all Virginia’s families can thrive.
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On Monday, September 15, my staff joined the Chesterfield County Farm Bureau for its annual meeting. Across Central Virginia and the Commonwealth, farmers and their families are facing increased challenges because of changing economic markers, workforce, and the need to support our next generation of farmers. As Lieutenant Governor, I will continue to work with local farmers and the Bureau to support Virginia’s vital agricultural industry.
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On September 16, I traveled to Virginia Beach and shared my vision for the office of Lieutenant Governor with the Virginia Sheriff’s Association. I will continue to champion for better wages and benefits for our local law enforcement officers.
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On September 17, I was honored to provide a keynote address at the Indian American Impact Gala in Washington, D.C., at which hundreds of South Asian American changemakers and community leaders gathered to celebrate our achievements and chart a path forward for our collective future.
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Friday marked the start of early voting for the November 4 election, with the positions of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates on the ballot. I spent the day in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington. I joined Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger and newly-elected Congressman James Walkinshaw for a large and energized rally in Fairfax.
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This weekend was eventful, as I traveled across the Metro Richmond Area to meet with community members and attend various celebrations. My first stop was with Delegate Mike Jones for the We Care Festival at Richmond’s Fifth Street Baptist Church. Pastor Todd Gray, First Lady Gray, and his congregation have hosted this event for the past 19 years, bringing our communities together for food, fun, and fellowship.
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I then joined the congregation of St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church for its 6th Annual Richmond Egyptian Festival. It was wonderful to partake in food, art, and cultural activities while learning more about Richmond’s blossoming Coptic Christian community.
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Members of the Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, on which I serve as Vice Chair, traveled to Henrico County for a canvass launch for May Nivar who is running for the House of Delegates in HD-57. It was wonderful to connect with so many dedicated volunteers alongside our VAAPIC Chair, Delegate Irene Shin, and House Democratic Caucus Chair, Delegate Kathy Tran.
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Next stop was the Health Fair at the Richmond Ismaili Jamatkhana, where community members shared invaluable resources and information. Connecting with friends, old and new, made this a memorable event!
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Finally on Saturday, I had the honor of attending the Second Annual African Diaspora Heritage Month Celebration in Chesterfield County. Our diverse communities of the African nations contribute to the cultural richness of our region and our Commonwealth.
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Sunday concluded with a fundraiser in Williamsburg, where I was joined by an incredible group of supporters. With 42 days left until Election Day, supporters keep our campaign momentum going and will help usher in a new era of Democratic leadership and an expanded Democratic majority in the House of Delegates.
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 until October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions and influence of Latine and Hispanic Americans to the Commonwealth and across the country. We also celebrate the independence of many Latin American countries during this time and recognize the beauty of their rich and individual cultures.
Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre se celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, una fecha para celebrar las invaluables contribuciones e influencia de los latinos e hispanoamericanos en Virginia y en todo el país. También celebramos la independencia de muchos países latinoamericanos durante este periodo y reconocemos la belleza de sus ricas y singulares culturas.
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Rosh Hashanah
With the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, my office wishes everyone who is celebrating across the Commonwealth a joyous new year. Shanah tovah!
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Connecting With My Office
My office can be reached at the following:
Email: [email protected] [gmail.com]
Phone: 804.698.7515
If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive my office’s weekly newsletter here [[link removed]] .
— Ghazala
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