Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, has been projected as the winner of the election, marking a historic milestone as the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in U.S. history. Decision Desk HQ announced the projection at 7:29 pm ET, stating Hashmi defeated Republican candidate John Reid.

Hashmi’s victory comes amid a competitive race against Reid, a former conservative talk radio host who would have become the first openly gay Republican elected to a statewide position if he had won. The election also saw Virginia voters choose its first woman governor in a contest between Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, with Spanberger projected as the winner.

Hashmi, aligned with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, focused on opposing former President Donald Trump’s policies and advocating for increased public education funding. Reid emphasized lowering taxes and regulations for businesses and restricting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. Despite leading throughout the general election, Hashmi faced a narrowed race in the final days before Election Day.

She secured her Democratic nomination in June by defeating former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and state Sen. Aaron Rouse, with support from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). The outcome underscores a significant shift in Virginia’s political landscape.