The Fort Worth Press - Record Seven Muslim Americans Elected to US Congress in 2026 Midterms

A record seven Muslim Americans have secured seats in the United States Congress, marking a historic milestone for political representation. The group includes Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim ever elected to the Senate, alongside six House members who won new or re-elected positions during the recent midterm cycle.

The victories, comprising one Senate seat and six House seats, represent the highest level of Muslim representation in the US legislature to date. Most significantly, Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s election makes him the first Muslim to win a Senate race in American history.

In New Jersey, Democrat Adam Hamawy defeated Republican Gregg Mele in the state’s 12th Congressional District. Hamawy becomes the first Muslim elected to represent New Jersey in Congress. His campaign highlighted his experience volunteering at Gaza’s European Hospital in 2024, which he cited as informing his advocacy on humanitarian issues.

New York also saw a breakthrough with the election of Democrat Darializa Avila Chevalier. A civil rights investigator and doctoral student who converted to Islam, Chevalier secured her congressional seat after defeating longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary.

The new members join four established Muslim lawmakers who secured re-election, strengthening their presence in Washington. Palestinian American Democrat Rashida Tlaib won a fifth term representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District. Somali American Democrat Ilhan Omar also retained her seat for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, securing her fifth term.

Andre Carson retained his seat representing Indiana’s 7th Congressional District. First elected in 2008, Carson is the longest-serving Muslim member of the House of Representatives. California Democrat Lateefah Simon also won re-election, retaining her seat representing the state’s 12th Congressional District in the East Bay.

The Democratic Party swept the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, achieving a major victory across the country and gaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The results reflected widespread frustration with the Trump administration, particularly over the rising cost of living, economic concerns, and dissatisfaction with government policies.

These electoral outcomes have been viewed by observers as challenging a climate of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric in recent years. The influx of new Muslim representatives, combined with the re-election of incumbent lawmakers, signals a shift in the demographic composition of the federal legislature.

W.Knight--TFWP