(Washington, D.C. – 11/4/2026) The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) proudly congratulates Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on his historic election to the United States Senate, becoming the first Muslim American ever elected to the chamber. His groundbreaking victory, alongside the success of Muslim American candidates and community allies across the country, marks a defining moment for Muslim American political representation and civic influence.
Dr. El-Sayed’s election represents far more than a historic first. It is a powerful testament to the determination of a community that has organized, mobilized, and demanded a meaningful voice in the policies and decisions shaping our nation. At a time when Muslim Americans have faced escalating Islamophobia, political exclusion, and attempts to silence their advocacy, his victory sends an unmistakable message: Muslim Americans are an integral and increasingly influential force in American political life.
Muslim Americans are voting, organizing, and making our voices heard. These victories are proof that our communities matter, our participation matters, and our political power is growing.
USCMO also extends its heartfelt congratulations to Muslim American members of Congress, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, André Carson of Indiana, and Lateefah Simon and Aisha Wahab of California, on their reelection victories. We additionally celebrate Dr. Adam Hamawy’s historic election to represent New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim American elected to Congress from New Jersey, and Darializa Avila Chevalier’s election to represent New York’s 13th Congressional District.
These victories reflect the growing strength and diversity of Muslim American leadership in Congress, where our communities continue to elevate issues of civil rights, religious freedom, economic justice, and accountability in both domestic and foreign policy.
Beyond Washington, Muslim American candidates are making their mark in state legislatures across the nation. USCMO proudly congratulates Aber Kawas on her historic election to the New York State Senate, representing District 12 in Queens. A Palestinian American community organizer, Kawas’s victory is an especially meaningful milestone for Palestinian and Muslim American political representation.
We also congratulate Nabeela Syed on her election to the Illinois State Senate, where she defeated Republican incumbent Darby Hills in District 26, and recognize the important achievements of Muslim American candidates seeking leadership in state legislatures, including Ruwa Romman of Georgia, Abdelnasser Rashid of Illinois, Salman Bhojani of Texas, Alabas Farhat of Michigan, Zaynab Mohamed of Minnesota, and Madinah Wilson-Anton of Delaware.
Their campaigns demonstrate the breadth of Muslim American political participation, from congressional districts to statehouses and local communities, and the growing determination to ensure that our voices are represented wherever public policy is made.
USCMO likewise extends its congratulations to elected community allies, includingSenator Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ro Khanna of California, and Delia Ramirez of Illinois,whose reelection victories offer continued opportunities for engagement on issues of importance to Muslim Americans.
We also recognize the leadership and engagement of Representatives Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, whose work on civil liberties, human rights, and government accountability has contributed to important national conversations. We look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with elected officials who are willing to confront Islamophobia, defend constitutional freedoms, protect vulnerable communities, and pursue justice at home and abroad.
These elections represent more than individual victories. They reflect a broader political awakening and a growing recognition of Muslim Americans as a constituency whose concerns, priorities, and political participation cannot be dismissed
As the next Congress prepares to convene, USCMO looks forward to engaging elected officials across the political spectrum while continuing to advocate for the protection of civil rights and religious freedom, an end to discriminatory policies, and a U.S. foreign policy grounded in international law, human rights, and accountability, including justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.
Our communities expect more than symbolic representation or statements of solidarity. We expect action, accountability, and a meaningful seat at the table.
The 2026 midterm elections may mark an important milestone, but the work does not end with the counting of ballots. USCMO remains committed to strengthening Muslim American political power, mobilizing our communities, building principled coalitions, and holding elected officials accountable to the people they serve.
Our advocacy begins at the ballot box, but it does not end there.
