New Delhi: At least seven Muslim candidates have won seats in the US Congress in the 3 November midterm elections, including Abdul El-Sayed, who became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
Others won or retained seats in the House of Representatives. Muslim candidates also won in state legislatures. The candidates campaigned on issues including healthcare, housing, immigration, civil rights and US policy towards Israel and Palestine.
Abdul El-Sayed : In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to win the state’s open Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber. El-Sayed had 52.44 per cent of the vote against Rogers’ 45.46 per cent.
A physician and former public health official, El-Sayed campaigned on Medicare for All, lowering costs for working families and reducing corporate influence in politics. He also opposed US military aid to Israel and faced repeated attacks on his Muslim identity during the campaign.
Adam Hamawy : In New Jersey, Democrat Adam Hamawy defeated Republican Gregg Mele in the 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim elected to represent the state in Congress. Adam had 70.2 per cent of the vote against Gregg’s 28.3 per cent.
A plastic surgeon and former US Army combat surgeon who volunteered at a hospital in Gaza in 2024, Hamawy campaigned for universal healthcare, cancellation of medical and student debt, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and ending US military assistance to Israel.
Darializa Avila Chevalier : New York’s 13th Congressional District elected Democrat Darializa Avila Chevalier, who defeated Republican Jomo Williams. She received 87.5 per cent of the vote against Williams’ 11.4 per cent.
A civil rights investigator and doctoral student who converted to Islam, Chevalier campaigned on community organising and Palestinian rights.
Four Muslim lawmakers retained their House seats.
Ilhan Omar : In Minnesota, Democrat Ilhan Omar won a fifth term in the 5th Congressional District, defeating Republican John Nagel and independent DeVelle Jackson. Omar received 76.5 per cent of the vote, against Nagel’s 16.2 per cent.
Her campaign and congressional work have focused on healthcare, economic inequality, immigration and humanitarian assistance, including oversight of US arms transfers.
Rashida Tlaib : Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib won a fifth term representing the 12th Congressional District, defeating Republican James Hooper. Rashida secured 76.2 per cent of the vote against James’ 21 per cent.
A Palestinian-American member of Congress, Tlaib has advocated Palestinian self-determination, civilian protection and greater scrutiny of US arms transfers to Israel.
Andre Carson : In Indiana, Democrat André Carson retained the 7th Congressional District seat, defeating Republican Patrick McAuley. Carson gained 77.1 per cent of the vote against McAuley’s 20.3 per cent.
The longest-serving Muslim member of the House, Carson has focused on equality, humanitarian assistance and international cooperation.
Lateefah Simon : California Democrat Lateefah Simon won re-election in the 12th Congressional District, defeating fellow Democrat Jamie Joyce. She received 79.8 per cent votes against Joyce’s 20.2 per cent.
A former civil rights activist, Simon has advocated for housing affordability, healthcare, immigration rights and climate justice, and has opposed offensive US arms deliveries.
Aisha Wahab : California state Senator Aisha Wahab is leading the 14th Congressional District, against fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez. The latest results showed Wahab with 56.5 pr cent of the vote against Hernandez’s 43.5 per cent.
An Afghan American lawmaker, Wahab has focused on healthcare, housing affordability and the concerns of working families.
Aber Kawas : Beyond Congress, Palestinian American Democrat Aber Kawas made history after winning the New York State Senate District 12 seat, becoming the first Palestinian American and first Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature.
Aber won 75 per cent of the vote, with 90 per cent of ballots counted.
She is also being reported as the first hijab-wearing woman elected to the New York State Legislature.
Nabeela Syed
Nabeela Syed, a 27-year-old Indian American Muslim Democrat, won Illinois’ 26th State Senate District defeating Republican Darby Hills.
The daughter of immigrants from Hyderabad, Syed campaigned on healthcare access, reproductive rights, affordability and gun violence prevention. She previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives.
