WASHINGTON: At least 10 Muslim candidates have won seats in the US Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, marking historic gains in both chambers as candidates campaigned on civil rights, healthcare and foreign policy.
The elections reshaped the balance of power in Washington, with Democrats winning control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives from Republicans.
Several newly elected and returning lawmakers campaigned on upholding international law, expanding humanitarian assistance and opposing unconditional US military support for Israel amid its ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan
The 42-year-old Democrat defeated former Republican Representative Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
A physician and former public health official, El-Sayed won the seat vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters following a contentious campaign in which his religion became a target of attacks by Republicans and President Donald Trump.
This has been the most rewarding, exhilarating, and exhausting 19 months of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. None of this is possible without all of you — the people. The people who knocked doors, canvassed, made phone calls, sent texts, volunteered, donated, shared a social media post, spread the word, and voted. This is OUR seat. I’m going to make you proud.
Thank you, Michigan!
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) November 4, 2026
El-Sayed, who won the Democratic primary in August, criticised unconditional US arms transfers to Israel and described its military operations in Gaza as genocide.
His former primary rival, Representative Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers two days before the general election, citing concerns over El-Sayed’s rhetoric.
Adam Hamawy, New Jersey
The 56-year-old Democrat defeated Republican Gregg Mele in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim elected to represent the state in Congress.
A plastic surgeon, retired US Army combat physician, and Iraq War veteran, Hamawy volunteered at the European Hospital in Gaza in 2024.
His campaign focused on universal Medicare, the cancellation of medical and student debt, the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and an end to US military assistance to Israel.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, New York
The Democrat secured a seat in the House of Representatives after previously defeating long-serving incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat in the June primary.
WE WON! THANK YOU UPTOWN AND THE BRONX. I can’t wait to bring you to the halls of power with me. https://t.co/r4eZ95ttbc
— Darializa for Congress (@DarializaforNY) November 4, 2026
Chevalier, a civil rights investigator, doctoral student and convert to Islam, secured more than 85 per cent of the vote.
Her campaign focused on community organising and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Rashida Tlaib, Michigan
The Palestinian-American Democrat secured a fifth term representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, defeating Republican James Hooper.
The only Palestinian-American member of Congress, Tlaib has advocated enforcing domestic and international arms regulations, protecting civilians and upholding Palestinian self-determination.
Ilhan Omar, Minnesota
The Democrat won a fifth term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Republican John Nagel and independent candidate DeVelle Jackson.
Thank you, Minnesota! I’m incredibly honored to continue to represent you in the People’s House with a resounding mandate.
We will not allow Trump to silence us. https://t.co/3qZUCAiE2E
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 4, 2026
Omar, who arrived in the United States at the age of 12, became the country’s first Somali-American federal lawmaker when she took office in 2019.
She has consistently advocated humanitarian assistance and greater oversight of US arms transfers, while facing repeated political attacks over her background.
André Carson, Indiana
The Democrat retained his Indianapolis-based 7th Congressional District seat, defeating Republican Patrick McAuley and Libertarian James Sceniak.
I’ve been out and about talking to voters, candidates, and activists. One thing is clear: Indianapolis Democrats are fired up! Your voice deserves to be heard. VOTE by 6pm today! https://t.co/k5sBc07qdT
— André Carson (@Andre4Congress) November 3, 2026
Serving in Congress since 2008, Carson is the longest-serving Muslim lawmaker in the House of Representatives.
His policy positions have emphasised international legal institutions, equal human dignity and humanitarian assistance.
Lateefah Simon, California
The Democrat retained her seat representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the East Bay, defeating fellow Democrat Jamie Joyce.
Simon has advocated against offensive US arms deliveries and called for greater attention to humanitarian concerns in US foreign policy.
Abbas Alawieh, Michigan
Lebanese-American Democrat Abbas Alawieh elected to Michigan’s 2nd State Senate District, covering Dearborn and surrounding communities.
ABBAS ALAWIEH, SÉNATEUR ÉLU DANS LE MICHIGAN : « JE SUIS FIER D’ÊTRE UN FILS DU SUD-LIBAN, DE BINT JBEIL, D’ARNOUN ET DE NABATIYÉ »
À la suite de sa victoire électorale dans le Michigan, le démocrate américain d’origine libanaise Abbas Alawieh a tenu à rappeler ses racines libanaises et son attachement au Sud-Liban.
Dans une déclaration, il a exprimé sa fierté d’être originaire de cette région, citant notamment Bint Jbeil, Arnoun et Nabatiyé, avant d’évoquer Hay el-Sellom, quartier où il a grandi durant son enfance.
« Je suis fier d’être un fils du Sud, un fils de Bint Jbeil, d’Arnoun et de Nabatiyé. C’est à Hay el-Sellom que j’ai grandi », a-t-il déclaré.
— InfoSudLiban (@InfoSudLiban) November 4, 2026
Alawieh helped establish the Uncommitted movement, which challenged former President Joe Biden’s support for Israel during the 2024 presidential election.
Nabeela Syed, Illinois
Nabeela Syed, a 27-year-old American Muslim woman of Indian descent, has won a seat in the Illinois State Senate, defeating Republican incumbent Darby Hills in the November 3 midterm elections.
I am so grateful to every single voter in the 26th Senate District who made this victory possible. https://t.co/yOZKGE7N1t
— Nabeela Syed (@NabeelaforIL) November 4, 2026
Syed, a Democrat, secured around 57 per cent of the vote against Hills’ 43 per cent, winning the 26th Senate District and wresting the seat from Republican control.
ALSO READ: Indian-American Muslim Woman Nabeela Syed Wins Illinois Senate Seat
Her victory marks another milestone in a political journey that began in 2022, when she became the youngest woman elected to the Illinois General Assembly. She was also among the first Muslim lawmakers to serve in the state’s legislature.
Aber Kawas, New York
Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American, won a seat in the New York State Senate. A Democratic candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), he defeated Republican candidate Han-Khon To in the election for State Senate District 12, which covers several neighbourhoods in Queens, New York.
We made history. 🇵🇸 https://t.co/r9dnacASP5
— Aber Kawas (@AberKawas) November 4, 2026
The seat became open after Democratic Senator Michael Gianaris left office in August 2026. Kawas had earlier secured the Democratic nomination by defeating incumbent Assemblymember Steven Raga in the June 23 Democratic primary.
