- Pak-American representatives Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani also re-elected to the state legislature
WASHINGTON: All three Muslim US Representatives – Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Andre Carson—have been re-elected with decisive wins.
Rashida Tlaib-Michigan
Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat representing Michigan’s 13th District, won her fourth term with 70% of the vote.
Tlaib, known for her advocacy for Palestinian rights, remains a vocal critic of US policies towards Israel and is supported by Dearborn’s strong Arab-American community.
She had refused to endorse Kamala Harris over her support for the Biden administration’s policies over the violence in Gaza.
Ilhan Omar-Minnesota
Ilhan Omar, representing Minnesota’s 5th District, was re-elected for a third term, winning 75.2% of the vote. Omar, the first Somali-American congresswoman, has consistently critiqued US military support for Israel, especially during conflicts with Gaza. As a former refugee, her stance has also focused on broader immigrant rights issues in the US.
Andre Carson-Indiana
Indiana’s Andre Carson, another prominent Muslim representative in Congress, retained his seat in the 7th District with 68.2% of the vote, defeating Republican John Schmitz. Carson’s tenure dates back to 2008, following the passing of his grandmother, former representative Julia Carson.
Additionally, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a known ally of Tlaib and Omar in the progressive “Squad,” secured her fourth term representing New York’s 14th District with a decisive victory over Republican Tina Forte. Ocasio-Cortez has championed the rights of Palestinians in her tenure, aligning with the views of her colleagues on the “Squad.”
Pakistani-American Success in Texas
In Texas, Pakistani-American representatives Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani secured re-election in the state legislature. Bhojani, first elected in 2022, focuses on healthcare, education, and business development alongside immigrant rights. Lalani retained his position with 56.1% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Lee Simmons.
On the national stage, however, Republican Aaron Bashir, a Pakistani-American congressional candidate, narrowly lost his bid in Pennsylvania, underscoring both the progress and challenges faced by minority candidates in diverse electoral landscapes.
