WASHINGTON: Lateefah Simon has made history as the fourth Muslim American to be elected to the U.S. Congress, securing the California 12th district seat in the November 5 elections.
Her victory, confirmed on Friday, marks a significant step forward in the growing political representation of Muslims in the United States. Simon joins André Carson of Indiana, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota in the ranks of Muslim American representatives.
With Simon’s win, the number of Muslim Americans serving in the 119th Congress now stands at four. A prominent leader in California’s Bay Area, Simon has an extensive background in public service, including her current role on the board of directors for the region’s rapid transit system. She has also led the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights in the San Francisco Bay Area and served on the California State University Board of Trustees, appointed by former Governor Jerry Brown.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S., praised Simon’s election as “a historic milestone for Muslim representation,” emphasizing the significance of her victory as a platform to advocate for Muslim and marginalized communities across the country.
Earlier, three prominent Muslim U.S. Representatives—Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Andre Carson—were re-elected in decisive victories, reaffirming their influence in Congress.
With 70% of the vote, Democrat Rashida Tlaib won her fourth term in the 13th District of Michigan, and Ilhan Omar, who represents the 5th District of Minnesota, won her third term with 75.2% of the vote. On the other hand, Andre Carson, serving Indiana’s 7th District since 2008, secured re-election with 68.2% of the vote, defeating Republican John Schmitz.
As the first Somali-American congresswoman, Omar has been a consistent critic of U.S. military support for Israel, particularly during conflicts with Gaza. Her experiences as a refugee have shaped her broader advocacy for immigrant rights and social justice in the U.S.
Tlaib, an ardent advocate for Palestinian rights, has been a vocal critic of U.S. policies toward Israel. She continues to enjoy strong backing from Dearborn’s Arab-American community. Notably, Tlaib refused to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, citing her disagreements with the Biden administration’s stance on violence in Gaza.
Carson, who succeeded his grandmother, former Rep. Julia Carson, in Congress, has become a respected voice in the House, continuing her political legacy.
In addition to these Muslim representatives, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a key ally of Tlaib and Omar in the progressive “Squad,” won a fourth term representing New York’s 14th District, defeating Republican Tina Forte. Ocasio-Cortez has consistently championed Palestinian rights, aligning with the positions of Tlaib and Omar.
In Texas, two Pakistani-American state legislators, Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani, were re-elected to the state legislature. Bhojani, elected in 2022, advocates for healthcare, education, and immigrant rights. Lalani won re-election with 56.1% of the vote, defeating Republican Lee Simmons.
However, on the national stage, Aaron Bashir, a Pakistani-American Republican candidate in Pennsylvania, narrowly lost his bid for Congress. His defeat underscores both the progress and challenges faced by minority candidates in diverse electoral environments.
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