Dr. Adam Hamawy during his deployment on a humanitarian medical mission to southern Gaza in 2024.
Pro-Palestine Dr. Adam Hamawy wins New Jersey House seat
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- Democrat Adam Hamawy won New Jersey’s 12th District, defeating Republican Gregg Mele to become the state’s first Muslim representative
- A 56-year-old plastic surgeon and retired Army combat doctor, he succeeds retiring Democrat Bonnie Watson Coleman
- The Iraq War veteran cited a 2024 humanitarian medical mission to southern Gaza as pivotal in his decision to run
- Hamawy campaigned on universal Medicare, halting US military aid to 'Israel', wiping out medical/student debt, and abolishing ICE
Democrat Adam Hamawy secured victory in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating Republican opponent Gregg Mele to become the first Muslim elected to represent the state in the United States Congress, according to projections by the Associated Press.
Hamawy, a plastic surgeon, retired US Army combat doctor, and veteran humanitarian medical worker, is set to succeed Democratic Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is stepping down after a decade in the House of Representatives.
Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, the 56-year-old served as a military surgeon during the Iraq War before volunteering on international medical missions in Bosnia, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria.
His deployment on a humanitarian medical mission to southern Gaza in 2024 served as a primary catalyst behind his decision to launch a bid for public office.
Entering the race as a first-time political candidate and a prominent critic of 'Israel’s' military campaign in Gaza, Hamawy built his campaign around progressive domestic and foreign policy priorities.
His platform championed universal Medicare coverage, ending US military aid to 'Israel', the cancellation of medical and student loan debt, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Following his victory in the Democratic primary earlier this year, Hamawy framed his political movement around uncompromising advocacy, telling supporters: "We made it clear you never need to ask for permission to fight for justice."
