Arab, Muslim Americans win key seats in 2026 US midterm elections

• Arab and Muslim American candidates secure landmark victories in Congress and state legislatures, marking a significant milestone in their political representation.
• New federal and state lawmakers join established progressive leaders, including Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and André Carson, in shaping the country's political landscape.

Arab and Muslim American candidates secured landmark victories in the 2026 US midterm elections, expanding their political representation across federal and state levels. The results marked a significant milestone for minority communities, highlighting the emergence of new political figures alongside the re-election of established progressive leaders.

The victories reflect the growing influence of Arab and Muslim Americans in US electoral politics, with candidates securing seats in Congress and state legislatures while campaigning on healthcare, civil rights, domestic policy and foreign affairs.

Historic firsts in Congress

Adam Hamawy becomes first Muslim to represent New Jersey in Congress

Democratic candidate Dr. Adam Hamawy defeated Republican contender Gregg Mele in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim elected to represent the state in the US Congress.

Hamawy, a trauma surgeon of Egyptian descent and former US Army combat surgeon, gained national recognition for volunteering on humanitarian medical missions in the Gaza Strip during 2024 and 2025.

His victory marks a historic breakthrough for Muslim American representation in New Jersey's congressional delegation.

Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim US senator

Progressive physician, epidemiologist and former Detroit Health Department director Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

The victory was particularly significant given Michigan's status as a crucial battleground state, which President Donald Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election.

El-Sayed's campaign drew national attention as he sought to win the seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. His victory also marked a major breakthrough for the Democratic Party's progressive wing.

El-Sayed previously mounted a high-profile campaign for Michigan governor in 2018. His political platform has focused on healthcare, economic issues and reforming the political system.

Daryaliza Avila Chevalier joins the House

Daryaliza Avila Chevalier secured a seat in the US House of Representatives in New York's 13th Congressional District, emerging as one of the newest Muslim American voices on Capitol Hill.

Her election adds to the growing presence of Muslim Americans in the federal legislature.

Progressive leaders retain congressional seats

Rashida Tlaib wins re-election in Michigan
Palestinian American progressive Representative Rashida Tlaib retained her seat in Michigan's 12th Congressional District.

Tlaib remains one of Congress's most prominent advocates for Palestinian human rights and an outspoken critic of US military backing for 'Israeli' operations in Gaza.

Her re-election reaffirms her political standing and continued role in debates over US foreign policy and the rights of Palestinians.

Ilhan Omar secures a fifth term

Representative Ilhan Omar won a decisive fifth term in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, overcoming hostile rhetoric and targeted campaign challenges.

Omar arrived in the United States as a child refugee from Somalia. In 2018, she made history as one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress.

Her re-election reinforces her position as a prominent progressive voice in the House and one of the most recognizable Muslim American politicians in the country.

André Carson extends his congressional tenure

Representative André Carson, an African American Muslim leader, retained his seat in Indiana's 7th Congressional District.

Carson, the longest-serving Muslim member of Congress, has continuously represented the district since 2008, extending his longstanding presence in the House.

Arab and Muslim American breakthroughs in state legislatures

The elections also produced significant gains for Arab and Muslim American candidates at the state level, expanding their representation in legislative bodies across the country.

Abeer Qawas makes history in New York

Community organizer Abeer Qawas, born in New York to Palestinian parents, became the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

Qawas won the New York State Senate's 12th District, bringing a platform centered on affordable housing, tenants' rights, immigrant protections and Palestinian human rights advocacy.

Her victory marks a historic milestone for Palestinian American women in state-level political representation.

Abbas Alawieh wins Michigan State Senate seat

Lebanese-born strategist and immigrant Abbas Alawieh won election to Michigan's State Senate in the 2nd District.

Alawieh is a prominent co-founder of the Uncommitted national movement, which mobilized during the 2024 presidential primaries to protest federal policy on Gaza.

His election brings a figure closely associated with grassroots political organizing and opposition to US policy on Gaza into the state legislature.

Nabeela Syed wins Illinois State Senate race

Indian American Muslim political figure Nabeela Syed secured another major legislative victory by winning election to the Illinois State Senate's 26th District.

Her election adds to the growing representation of Muslim Americans in state legislatures and marks a significant step in her political career.

A changing political landscape

The results underscore a defining shift in American electoral politics, as Arab and Muslim American candidates translated grassroots advocacy into electoral victories and governing representation.

Their campaigns addressed a range of issues, including healthcare, affordable housing, civil rights, immigrant protections and foreign policy.

The victories also reflect the growing role of Arab and Muslim American communities in shaping political debates at both federal and state levels, as new lawmakers join established figures in Congress and state legislatures.

The expanded representation comes at a time when debates over US policy on Gaza, civil rights and the country's domestic priorities continue to shape the political landscape.

The election results highlight the emergence of a broader group of Arab and Muslim American political leaders, whose influence is expected to remain central to discussions over representation, public policy and the future direction of American politics.