Muslim and Arab-American Candidates Win Key Northeast Seats
Adam Hamawy and Aber Kawas won historic elections in New Jersey and New York, marking first-time representation for Muslim and Arab-American candidates in their respective legislatures.
In a series of historic election results, Adam Hamawy won the seat for New Jersey’s 12th congressional district, becoming the first Muslim and Arab-American to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. A retired U.S. Army combat surgeon and plastic surgeon, Hamawy defeated Republican Gregg Mele with 74.1% of the vote. He will succeed the retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman.
During his victory speech in Plainsboro, Hamawy condemned anti-Muslim hate and pledged to end U.S. military aid to Israel, proposing to redirect those funds toward healthcare and education in New Jersey. His platform includes universal Medicare, the cancellation of student and medical debt, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hamawy noted that his political entry was driven by humanitarian missions to Gaza in 2024 and 2025.
Simultaneously, Aber Kawas won the New York State Senate District 12 seat, securing 75% of the vote. Kawas is the first Palestinian American, first Muslim woman, and first hijab-wearing woman elected to the New York State Legislature. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, she campaigned on tenant protections, immigrant rights, and universal healthcare. Her victory came despite a multimillion-dollar opposition campaign and was supported by endorsements from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
