Muslim Americans Make Historic Gains in 2026 US Elections

Muslim Americans Make Historic Gains in 2026 US Midterm Elections, Winning Key Federal and State Seats

Muslim Americans have made significant gains in the November 3, 2026, United States midterm elections, securing victories in congressional, state legislative, judicial and local government races across the country.

Among the most notable achievements was the election of Democrat Abdul El-Sayed to the US Senate from Michigan, making him the first Muslim American ever elected to the upper chamber of Congress.

Other victories included Adam Hamawy in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District and Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York’s 13th Congressional District. Several incumbent Muslim lawmakers also retained their seats, while candidates made gains in state legislatures and local government positions.

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its advocacy affiliate CAIR Action, preliminary tracking identified at least 97 confirmed Muslim American electoral victories nationwide as of November 5. The organisations were also tracking 15 candidates leading in races that had not yet been called and six contests that remained too close to call.

The results represent a significant milestone in Muslim American political participation and reflect the growing presence of Muslim candidates in American public life.

First Muslim American Elected to the US Senate

One of the most historic outcomes of the 2026 midterm elections was Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s US Senate race.

The Democratic candidate defeated Republican former congressman Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim American elected to the United States Senate.

El-Sayed’s achievement represents a significant moment in the history of Muslim representation in the federal government.

Muslim Americans have previously served in the US House of Representatives, with Keith Ellison becoming the first Muslim elected to Congress in 2006. However, no Muslim American had previously won a seat in the Senate.

El-Sayed’s victory therefore marks a new chapter in the political representation of Muslim Americans at the national level.

Who Is Abdul El-Sayed?

Abdul El-Sayed is a physician and former public health official who built his political career in Michigan.

He previously served as director of the Detroit Health Department and held a public health leadership position in Wayne County.

The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed has focused much of his political messaging on healthcare, affordability and economic opportunity.

His campaign also attracted national attention because of debates surrounding his Muslim identity and the treatment of Muslim candidates in American politics.

Despite facing political attacks centred on his background and religion, he secured victory in Michigan’s Senate contest.

His election means Muslim Americans will have representation in both chambers of the US Congress.

Adam Hamawy Becomes New Jersey’s First Muslim Member of Congress

Another significant victory came in New Jersey, where Democrat Adam Hamawy won the 12th Congressional District.

His election makes him the first Muslim American to represent New Jersey in the US Congress.

Hamawy was born in Cairo, Egypt, and moved to the United States as an infant. He grew up in Old Bridge, New Jersey.

Before entering politics, he worked as a physician and served as a combat surgeon in the US Army.

His professional background and experience in medicine helped shape his public profile during the election campaign.

Hamawy’s victory is particularly notable for New Jersey’s Muslim community, which will now have a representative from its community in the House of Representatives.

He will take over the congressional seat previously held by Democrat Bonnie Watson Coleman, who retired from the position.

Darializa Avila Chevalier Wins New York Congressional Seat

Darializa Avila Chevalier also secured an important victory by winning New York’s 13th Congressional District.

At 32, she emerged as one of the notable new faces in the 2026 congressional elections.

Chevalier is an Afro-Dominican Muslim organiser whose political campaign gained attention after she defeated five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary.

Her general election victory represents another addition to Muslim American representation in the House of Representatives.

Her background also highlights the diversity of Muslim communities in the United States, which include people with roots in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and other regions.

The election of candidates from different backgrounds reflects the increasingly varied communities participating in American electoral politics.

Muslim Lawmakers Retain Seats in the House of Representatives

The 2026 elections also saw several established Muslim American lawmakers retain their positions in Congress.

Among those who secured re-election were:

Their victories ensure continued Muslim representation in the House during the next congressional term.

Aisha Wahab, who entered Congress following a special election in August, was also reported to be leading in California’s 14th Congressional District. Her final outcome was still subject to confirmation in the reporting available on November 6.

The distinction between confirmed victories and races awaiting final results remains important because some election counts were still underway.

Muslim Americans Make Gains in State Legislatures

The election results extended well beyond Washington.

Muslim American candidates also secured victories in state legislative races across several parts of the country.

These positions are important because state lawmakers influence policies affecting education, healthcare, taxation, housing, public safety, employment and local economic development.

Some of the notable results included:

Georgia

Ruwa Romman won Georgia’s State Senate District 7 race, becoming the first Palestinian American elected to the state’s Senate.

Sheikh Rahman retained his legislative seat, while Farooq Mughal reclaimed his former position in the Georgia State House of Representatives.

Illinois

State Senator Nabeela Syed defeated Republican-backed opposition to win Illinois’ District 26 contest.

Abdelnasser Rashid also retained his seat in the state legislature.

Colorado

Iman Jodeh secured another electoral victory in Colorado, continuing Muslim American representation in the state’s political system.

Connecticut

Maryam Khan and Saud Anwar secured victories in Connecticut.

Their results added to the growing number of Muslim lawmakers serving in state legislatures.

Minnesota

Omar Fateh and Zaynab Mohamed won their respective legislative contests, while Mohamud Noor and Samakab Hussein retained their positions.

Other States

Muslim candidates also won legislative races in Ohio, Oregon, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Among the reported winners were:

• Munira Abdullahi and Ismail Mohamed in Ohio.
• Kayse Jama in Oregon.
• Mujtaba Mohammed in North Carolina.
• Tarik Khan and Mariam Sabih in Pennsylvania.
• Salman Bhojani and Suleman Lalani in Texas.

These results demonstrate that Muslim American political participation is not concentrated in a single state or metropolitan area.

Historic Victory in Texas County Government

Muslim American representation also expanded at the county level.

Letticia Plummer won the Harris County Judge election in Texas, becoming the first Black person and the first Muslim to lead the state’s largest county.

The Harris County position is significant because county governments oversee a wide range of public responsibilities.

These can include administration, public infrastructure, emergency services, public health and other local government functions.

Plummer’s victory therefore represents an important development in local political representation.

Judge Rabia Collier also secured re-election to the 113th Civil District Court.

The results highlight the growing presence of Muslim Americans in judicial and administrative positions, not just legislative offices.

CAIR Reports at Least 97 Confirmed Muslim Electoral Victories

The Council on American-Islamic Relations and CAIR Action released preliminary figures on November 5, reporting at least 97 confirmed Muslim American electoral victories across 21 states.

According to the organisations, their election tracking covered 168 Muslim American candidates who advanced beyond their primaries and contested federal, state and local positions.

The preliminary breakdown was:

The confirmed victories included 38 state legislative wins.

CAIR said the preliminary total had already surpassed the 82 Muslim electoral victories it reported during the 2022 midterm elections.

That represents an increase of approximately 18% compared with the organisation’s 2022 tracking figure.

The organisation also projected that more than 100 Muslim Americans could ultimately win or retain elected positions once all outstanding races were decided.

These figures are based on CAIR and CAIR Action’s own candidate tracking and should not be interpreted as a complete official government count of every Muslim candidate in the United States.

Why the 2026 Midterm Elections Were Important for Muslim Voters

The 2026 midterm elections took place amid several major domestic and international issues.

The wars in Gaza and Iran, economic pressures and concerns about rising Islamophobia were among the subjects discussed during the election campaign.

A nationwide exit survey referenced in Dawn’s reporting suggested that these issues played an important role in motivating Muslim voters.

However, Muslim Americans do not represent a politically uniform group.

Their views differ on economic policy, foreign affairs, healthcare, education, immigration, social issues and other subjects.

Muslim voters also support candidates from different political parties and ideological backgrounds.

The election results should therefore be understood as evidence of increased political participation and representation rather than proof that all Muslim voters share a single political position.

Gaza and Iran Influenced Election Discussions

Foreign policy was an important part of the political debate during the election cycle.

The war in Gaza and the conflict involving Iran generated discussion among candidates and voters about US foreign policy, military spending and America’s role in the Middle East.

Some Muslim candidates called for changes to US policy towards Israel and greater attention to humanitarian concerns.

Others focused more heavily on domestic issues such as healthcare, employment, housing and the cost of living.

The issues raised during campaigns reflected the different priorities of candidates and their constituencies.

Economic Pressure Remained an Important Concern

Economic affordability was another major issue during the election.

Rising living costs, housing expenses, healthcare affordability and employment opportunities affected voters across different communities.

Muslim American candidates also addressed these concerns as part of their campaigns.

For many voters, local and national economic policies can have a direct impact on household budgets and access to essential services.

The election results consequently reflected a wider political environment in which voters considered both domestic priorities and international developments.

More Than 160 Muslim Candidates Contested the Elections

The number of Muslim Americans contesting elections in 2026 also highlights the expansion of political participation.

CAIR and CAIR Action tracked 168 candidates who advanced beyond their primary elections and sought federal, state or local positions.

The candidates represented different backgrounds, professional experiences and political priorities.

Their participation covered several levels of government, from Congress and state legislatures to county administrations and judicial offices.

This is important because political representation is not limited to national officeholders.

Local elected officials influence decisions that directly affect everyday life, including school policies, neighbourhood services, public safety, housing and local infrastructure.

The election of Muslim Americans across these different levels indicates that their participation in public service is expanding beyond a small number of nationally recognised politicians.

What the Results Mean for Muslim American Political Representation

The 2026 election results represent a notable development in the political history of Muslim Americans.

The election of Abdul El-Sayed to the Senate, the victories of Adam Hamawy and Darializa Avila Chevalier in congressional races, and gains in state and local government positions have expanded Muslim representation across the American political system.

These achievements also provide greater visibility for communities that have historically had limited representation in some areas of government.

However, the significance of these victories will ultimately depend on the work elected officials undertake during their terms.

Members of Congress will participate in federal legislation, budget decisions and oversight of the executive branch.

State lawmakers will influence policies affecting education, healthcare, taxation and public services.

Local officials will be responsible for addressing issues within their respective jurisdictions.

The responsibilities attached to these positions extend to all constituents, regardless of religious background.

For Muslim American communities, the results provide an opportunity for greater participation in political decision-making.

For the wider American political system, they reflect the increasingly diverse backgrounds of people seeking and winning public office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who became the first Muslim American elected to the US Senate?

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Senate race in the November 2026 midterm elections, becoming the first Muslim American elected to the US Senate.

How many Muslim Americans won elections in 2026?

CAIR and CAIR Action reported at least 97 confirmed Muslim American electoral victories as of November 5, 2026. Additional candidates were leading in races that had not yet been called.

Who became New Jersey’s first Muslim member of Congress?

Adam Hamawy won New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, becoming the state’s first Muslim member of Congress.

Which Muslim candidate won New York’s 13th Congressional District?

Darializa Avila Chevalier won New York’s 13th Congressional District in the 2026 midterm elections.

Did Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib win re-election?

Both Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan were reported among the Muslim American lawmakers who retained their seats in the House of Representatives.

How many Muslim candidates contested the 2026 elections?

CAIR and CAIR Action tracked 168 Muslim American candidates who advanced beyond their primaries and contested federal, state and local positions.

Which issues influenced Muslim American voters?

Dawn’s reporting highlighted the wars in Gaza and Iran, economic pressures and concerns about Islamophobia as important issues influencing Muslim voter participation.

Did Muslim Americans win positions outside Congress?

Yes. Muslim candidates won state legislative, judicial, county and other local government positions across several states.

Conclusion

The 2026 US midterm elections marked an important moment for Muslim American political representation.

Abdul El-Sayed’s election as the first Muslim American senator, the congressional victories of Adam Hamawy and Darializa Avila Chevalier, and the re-election of established lawmakers expanded Muslim representation at the federal level.

The gains extended to state legislatures, courts and county government, with CAIR reporting at least 97 confirmed Muslim American electoral victories by November 5.

The results also highlighted the growing participation of Muslim Americans in a political system where local and national elections influence decisions affecting millions of people.

While some races remained subject to final counting and confirmation, the overall results demonstrated an expanding presence of Muslim candidates in American public life.

The next chapter will be defined by how these newly elected and returning officials represent their constituencies and address the policy challenges facing their communities and the wider United States.