Former Michigan state lawmaker Rashida Tlaib won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives seat from Michigan’s 13th congressional district, making history as the first of two Muslim women elected to congress. The daughter of Palestinian immigrants and the oldest of fourteen children, Tlaib won the Democratic primary defeating five other candidates. A justice attorney, activist and former state representative, Tlaib served in the Michigan state house from 2009 to 2014, and was also the first Muslim woman ever elected in the state’s legislature. On a mission to enhance civil-rights protections, Tlaib has plans to make a sweeping change for America when she takes office. Her proposed legislation to drastically expand U.S. civil rights protections to cover discriminatory impacts could change the landscape for millions of citizens.
Ilhan Omar is the first Somali-American woman to win the Democratic primary in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District. Born in Somalia, and a former refugee, Omar emigrated to the United States in 1995 with her family. The youngest of seven siblings, Omar was raised by her father and grandfather, who both emphasized the importance of democracy during her upbringing. Omar was immersed in politics shortly after arriving to the U.S., where she accompanied her grandfather to caucus meetings, serving as his interpreter. Omar gained traction in 2016 when she became the first Somali-American elected to a state legislature in Minnesota, defeating a 22-term Democratic incumbent. A progressive Democrat, Omar is advocating for the institution of a living wage, access to affordable housing and health care, student loan debt forgiveness, and the abolishment of ICE and protection of DACA.
Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar joining the floor of United States Congress is an important step in the right direction for the Muslim American community. The USMCO congratulates these strong, vibrant leaders on their monumental, historic achievements.
