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At least seven Muslim lawmakers have won seats in the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, marking gains in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
The results also shifted control of Congress, with Democrats winning majorities in both chambers from Republicans.
Several Muslim candidates campaigned on civil rights, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and US foreign policy. Some also criticised unconditional American military support for Israel and called for greater attention to Palestinian rights during the Gaza war.
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Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, 42, defeated former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race.
His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. El-Sayed, a physician and former public health official, contested the seat vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
His campaign focused on healthcare, reducing corporate influence in politics and US policy towards Israel. He criticised unconditional American arms transfers to Israel and described its military campaign in Gaza as genocide.
El-Sayed’s religion also became a subject of political attacks during the campaign. His former Democratic primary rival, Representative Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers shortly before Election Day.
Democrat Adam Hamawy, 56, defeated Republican Gregg Mele in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to represent New Jersey in Congress. He will succeed retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Hamawy is a plastic surgeon, retired US Army combat physician and Iraq War veteran. He also volunteered at the European Hospital in Gaza in 2024.
His campaign called for universal Medicare, cancellation of medical and student debt, abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and an end to US military assistance to Israel.
Democrat Darializa Avila Chevalier won New York’s 13th Congressional District, defeating Republican nominee Manual (Jomo) Williams.
She had previously defeated longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary.
A civil rights investigator, doctoral student and convert to Islam, Chevalier focused her campaign on community organising and Palestinian rights.
Her victory adds another Muslim lawmaker to the House of Representatives.
Four Muslim members of the House also won re-election, continuing their work in Congress.
Democrat Rashida Tlaib secured a fifth term representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.
The Palestinian-American lawmaker defeated Republican James Hooper. She has advocated civilian protection, Palestinian self-determination and enforcement of domestic and international arms regulations.
Democrat Ilhan Omar won a fifth term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
She defeated Republican John Nagel and independent candidate DeVelle Jackson.
Omar arrived in the United States at the age of 12. She became the first Somali-American woman elected to Congress when she took office in 2019.
Her policy work has included humanitarian assistance and oversight of US arms transfers. She has also faced repeated political criticism over her background and political positions.
Democrat Andre Carson retained his Indianapolis-based 7th Congressional District seat.
He defeated Republican Patrick McAuley and Libertarian James Sceniak.
Carson has served in the House since 2008, making him its longest-serving Muslim lawmaker. His policy positions have included support for international legal institutions, equal human dignity and humanitarian assistance.
Democrat Lateefah Simon retained her seat representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the East Bay.
She defeated fellow Democrat Jamie Joyce. Simon has advocated against offensive US arms deliveries.
Meanwhile, Muslim candidate Aisha Wahab held an early lead in California’s 14th Congressional District as vote counting continued.
Early results showed Wahab ahead of fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez. However, the race remained separate from the seven reported victories, and her result was not yet final in the initial count.
The election results highlight the growing presence of Muslim lawmakers in the US Congress. Their campaigns have brought issues including healthcare, civil rights, humanitarian assistance and US policy towards Israel into the wider political debate.
[…] At Least Seven Muslim Lawmakers Win Seats in US Congress in 2026 Midterm Elections […]