Seven muslim lawmakers win US Congressional seats gin historic midterm election gains

At least seven Muslim candidates secured seats in the US Congress during Tuesday’s midterm elections marking a significant milestone in American political representation and strengthening their presence in both chambers of the legislature.

At least seven Muslim candidates secured seats in the US Congress during Tuesday’s midterm elections marking a significant milestone in American political representation and strengthening their presence in both chambers of the legislature.

The election also reshaped the political landscape in Washington with Democrats taking control of the Senate and House of Representatives from Republicans. Several Muslim candidates campaigned on civil rights healthcare reforms humanitarian concerns and criticism of unconditional US military assistance to Israel amid the continuing crisis in Gaza.

Among the most prominent victories was that of Abdul El-Sayed a 42-year-old Democrat from Michigan who defeated former Republican representative Mike Rogers. His success made him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

A physician and former public health official El-Sayed contested the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. His campaign faced controversy over his religious identity and criticism of his position on US support for Israel. He opposed unconditional arms transfers and described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide.

In New Jersey, Democrat Adam Hamawy, 56 defeated Republican Gregg Mele in the 12th Congressional District becoming the first Muslim elected to represent the state in Congress. A plastic surgeon former US Army combat physician and Iraq War veteran Hamawy had also volunteered at Gaza’s European Hospital in 2024. His campaign included proposals for universal Medicare relief from medical and student debt changes to immigration enforcement and an end to US military assistance to Israel.

New York also elected Darializa Avila Chevalier a civil rights investigator doctoral student and convert to Islam. She won more than 85% of the vote after defeating longtime Representative Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary in June.

Four Muslim members of the House secured new two-year terms. Palestinian-American Rashida Tlaib won a fifth term in Michigan while Ilhan Omar retained her Minnesota seat for another term. Both have consistently raised concerns about civilian protection and US arms transfers to Israel.

Andre Carson, who has represented Indiana since 2008 also won re-election maintaining his position as the longest-serving Muslim member of the House. California Democrat Lateefah Simon retained her East Bay seat with her campaign having opposed offensive US arms deliveries.

Meanwhile Muslim candidate Aisha Wahab held an early lead in another California congressional contest as vote counting continued.