Record Number of American Muslims Win 2026 Midterm Seats

A record 97 American Muslims won seats at federal, state, and local levels in the November 3, 2026, U.S. midterm elections. The Council on American-Islamic Relations expects the final count to exceed 100 as 15 candidates currently lead in uncalled races. These victories occurred as the Democratic Party gained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, winning 253 and 54 seats respectively.

Historic federal wins include Abdulrahman Mohammed El-Sayed, who becomes the first Muslim Senator representing Michigan, and Adam Hamawy, the first Muslim member of Congress from New Jersey. Incumbents Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Lateefah Simon, and Andre Carson also secured their seats, alongside new winners Darializa Avila Chevalier and Aisha Wahab. Omar won her fifth term despite a Department of Justice investigation into her citizenship and a raid by Homeland Security Investigations.

At the state level, four progressive Democrats won seats in state senates: Ruwa Romman in Georgia, Aber Kawas in New York, Nabeela Syed in Illinois, and Maryam Khan in Connecticut. These results came amid coordinated Republican campaigns and heightened anti-Muslim rhetoric. The Muslim Public Affairs Council noted that the prevalence of Islamophobia during the cycle ultimately backfired, contributing to increased winning margins for candidates like Omar.