Three Muslim Democrats reelected to US Congress

Three Muslim Democrats—Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and André Carson—were reelected to the US Congress in Tuesday’s elections. 

Each Democratic representative secured their seat in key Midwestern districts, marking another term in the US House of Representatives.

Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, retained her seat in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, earning a fourth term.

Tlaib, who is also the first woman of Palestinian descent in Congress, garnered strong support from the Arab-American community in Dearborn.

Running unopposed in the primary, she defeated Republican challenger James Hooper in the solidly Democratic district, securing 69.7% of the vote.

She is also a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.

In Minnesota, Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, won a third term representing the 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis.

Omar, a former Somali refugee, claimed 75.2% of the vote against her Republican opponent.

Thanking her supporters on X, Omar wrote, “This is a victory for ALL of us who believe that a better future is possible. I can’t wait to make you all proud over the next two years.”

In Indiana, Representative Andre Carson secured his ninth term in the 7th District, which covers much of Indianapolis.

First elected in 2008 following the passing of his grandmother, Julia Carson, he won with 68.2% of the vote against Republican John Schmitz.

A senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, Carson recently played a significant role in the first open hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) in 50 years.

Schmitz’s campaign focused on lowering gas prices by advocating for expanded pipeline access, Canadian oil imports, and a temporary suspension of gasoline taxes.