At least seven Muslim candidates secured seats in the US Congress in the midterm elections, marking a significant milestone in political representation as their campaigns focused on civil rights, healthcare and US foreign policy.
At least seven Muslim lawmakers won seats in the US Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, making gains in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
The election results also shifted the balance of power in Washington, with Democrats securing control of both chambers of Congress from Republicans.
Several Muslim candidates campaigned on civil rights, humanitarian assistance, international law and opposition to unconditional US military support for Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Abdul El-Sayed Makes Senate History
Abdul El-Sayed, a 42-year-old Democratic candidate from Michigan, defeated former Republican Representative Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
A physician and former public health official, El-Sayed won the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
His campaign faced controversy after his religion became a target of attacks by Republicans and President Donald Trump.
El-Sayed, who won the Democratic primary in August, criticised unconditional US arms transfers to Israel and described its military operations in Gaza as genocide.
His former primary rival, Representative Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers two days before the general election, citing concerns over El-Sayed’s rhetoric.
Adam Hamawy Becomes New Jersey’s First Muslim Congressman
Democrat Adam Hamawy, 56, defeated Republican Gregg Mele in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim elected to represent the state in Congress.
Hamawy is a plastic surgeon, retired US Army combat physician and Iraq War veteran. He also volunteered at the European Hospital in Gaza in 2024.
His campaign focused on universal Medicare, the cancellation of medical and student debt, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and ending US military assistance to Israel.
Darializa Avila Chevalier Wins New York Seat
Democrat Darializa Avila Chevalier secured a seat in the House of Representatives after defeating longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the party’s June primary.
A civil rights investigator, doctoral student and convert to Islam, Chevalier won more than 85% of the vote.
Her campaign focused on community organising and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Abdul El-Sayed Makes History as First Muslim Elected to US Senate
Four Muslim Incumbents Retain House Seats
Four Muslim members of the House of Representatives also won re-election, securing another two-year term in Congress.
Rashida Tlaib
Palestinian-American Democrat Rashida Tlaib won a fifth term representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, defeating Republican James Hooper.
The only Palestinian-American member of Congress, Tlaib has advocated stronger enforcement of domestic and international arms regulations, civilian protection and Palestinian self-determination.
Ilhan Omar
Democrat Ilhan Omar secured a fifth term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District after defeating Republican John Nagel and independent candidate DeVelle Jackson.
Omar arrived in the United States at the age of 12 and became the country’s first Somali-American federal lawmaker when she took office in 2019.
She has consistently advocated humanitarian assistance and greater oversight of US arms transfers, while facing repeated political attacks over her background.
Andre Carson
Democrat Andre Carson retained his Indianapolis-based 7th Congressional District seat, defeating Republican Patrick McAuley and Libertarian candidate James Sceniak.
Serving in Congress since 2008, Carson is the longest-serving Muslim lawmaker in the House of Representatives.
His policy positions have emphasised international legal institutions, equal human dignity and humanitarian assistance.
Lateefah Simon
Democrat Lateefah Simon retained her seat representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the East Bay, defeating fellow Democrat Jamie Joyce.
Simon has advocated against offensive US arms deliveries and supported greater attention to humanitarian concerns in US foreign policy.
Aisha Wahab Leads in Another California Race
Meanwhile, Muslim candidate Aisha Wahab maintained an early lead in a separate congressional race in California as vote counting continued.
Her final position had yet to be determined at the time of the report.
The results highlight the growing presence of Muslim lawmakers in US politics, with several elected candidates placing healthcare, civil rights, humanitarian issues and US policy towards Israel at the centre of their campaigns.
