Palestinian-American wins New York State Senate primary race, aims to stop funding to 'Israel'

• Aber Kawas won the Democratic primary for a New York State Senate seat in Queens, becoming the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected in New York state.
• Her campaign focused on affordability, immigration reform, and opposition to funding what she describes as "Israel's genocide in Gaza."

Palestinian-American candidate Aber Kawas secured victory in the Democratic primary for a New York State Senate seat in Queens on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone as the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected in New York state.

Kawas, who was born and raised in New York to Palestinian parents, ran on a platform centered on democratic socialism, immigration reform, and addressing New York's affordability crisis. Her campaign also called for ending support for what she described as "'Israel's' genocide in Gaza."

The primary victory came with the backing of Zohran Mamdani, whose endorsement boosted her campaign. Kawas's win adds to a series of recent victories by candidates aligned with Mamdani's effort to reshape the Democratic Party around democratic socialist policies.

Kawas has highlighted her involvement in launching the "Not On Our Dime!" campaign alongside Mamdani. The initiative seeks to prevent New York-registered organizations from providing financial support to activities linked to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

According to campaign materials, the initiative aims to halt what organizers describe as New York's support for settlement expansion and violence against Palestinians. The campaign also advocates ending state support for actions it characterizes as Israeli war crimes.

A related legislative proposal sought to amend New York's nonprofit laws by prohibiting charitable organizations from supporting Israeli settlement activities deemed illegal under international law.

Kawas's victory reflects the growing influence of progressive and pro-Palestinian voices within parts of the Democratic Party, particularly in New York. Her success follows several high-profile primary wins by Mamdani-backed candidates and signals continued momentum for democratic socialist policies ahead of future elections.

The outcome is expected to draw national attention as debates over U.S. policy toward Gaza, immigration reform, and economic affordability remain central issues within Democratic Party politics.