Muslim candidates step into US election spotlight amid political tensions

WASHINGTON: Muslim Americans are stepping into the spotlight of US politics ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with at least 51 candidates seeking congressional, state and local offices as debates over the wars in Gaza and Iran intensify across the country.

Their growing political presence reflects an increasing determination to influence decisions on foreign policy, military spending, civil rights and domestic economic priorities, while challenging prejudice against Muslim communities in American public life.

According to an analysis by Muslim Network TV (MNTV), at least 51 Muslim American candidates are contesting elections across approximately 23 states. The list includes one Senate candidate, 10 congressional hopefuls and dozens running for state legislative and local positions. The figure represents a documented minimum rather than a complete national count.

One of the most closely watched races is Michigan’s Senate contest, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is seeking to make history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

El-Sayed has received support from prominent Muslim political figures, including Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, who endorsed him in September, highlighting their shared commitment to affordable housing, healthcare, workers’ rights and economic opportunity.

However, his campaign has also faced religiously charged attacks. At a Michigan rally on October 25, President Donald Trump described El-Sayed as a “jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member” and questioned whether he should be allowed to serve in the Senate. El-Sayed has denied any connection to the organisation, and reports have found no evidence supporting the allegation.

Responding to questions about his identity and political belonging, El-Sayed said some people wanted to make Muslim Americans feel that the country did not belong to them because of their names or religious practices.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who is seeking re-election, has also faced repeated criticism from Trump, who has questioned her patriotism and revived allegations about her immigration history. Omar has rejected the attacks, declaring that she would not be silenced.

Foreign policy has emerged as a major issue shaping these campaigns, particularly the US government’s military support for Israel during the war in Gaza.

El-Sayed has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and called for an end to American military assistance. He has also opposed overseas military funding more broadly, arguing that taxpayers’ money should address pressing domestic problems instead.

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, another prominent Muslim lawmaker seeking re-election, has demanded a complete arms embargo against Israel, arguing that American weapons support enables abuses against Palestinians.

The debate has gained further urgency following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026, triggering Iranian retaliation and a wider regional conflict.

According to an Associated Press report published on October 28, US officials had warned Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for the possibility of renewed American strikes against Iran after the midterm elections. Trump had not made a final decision, but further military action remained an option.

The prospect of renewed conflict has raised concerns about energy supplies, fuel prices and the financial burden of prolonged military involvement.

These issues could influence voters well beyond Muslim communities, particularly as Americans struggle with everyday expenses and question the country’s overseas commitments.

Meanwhile, organisations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and CAIR Action are encouraging Muslim voter participation and highlighting concerns about economic pressures, Gaza and anti-Muslim hostility.

However, Muslim Americans do not represent a single political bloc. Their political affiliations and views on domestic and international issues differ considerably.

The November 3 elections will determine control of the House of Representatives and shape the balance of power in the Senate, potentially influencing military funding, congressional oversight and the administration’s foreign policy.

Beyond individual victories, the growing participation of Muslim Americans presents a wider test for US democracy: whether candidates will be judged by their policies and qualifications rather than their religious identities.