American Muslims Breaking Barriers Running for O ce in 2020 Introduction
Assalamualaikum,
Peace be with you. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization; Jetpac, a representation-driven organization that trains American-Muslims who want to run for office; and MPower Change, the largest Muslim-led social and racial justice organization in the United States, have partnered to highlight and document a list of candidates who ran for office in 2020, including in primary elections. It is our intention that this report serve as an inspiration for other Muslims and BIPOC people to run for public office in the United States. We also wish that it will increase media coverage of the rise of American-Muslims in our political system, and be a helpful resource for organizations and community organizers looking to support American-Muslims in politics.
American-Muslims are running for office in higher numbers than ever before, and this trend is expected to continue with the many historic firsts we have seen across the country since 2017. A record 181 candidates were on 2020 ballots across 28 states and Washington D.C., which is the highest number since Jetpac, CAIR, and MPower Change started mapping the electoral progress of politicians who identify as Muslim. Muslim representation is still often neglected by policymakers, but the effective lobbying and mobilizing by Muslim-led organizations combined with the growth increase of candidates and community organizers is increasingly forcing elected officials and the media to include our perspective in the narrative on healthcare, the economy, immigration, and every other issue impacting American life.
CAIR, Jetpac, and MPower Change also identified 16 American-Muslim hires or appointees to the Biden-Harris Administartion. This is a testament to the work of grassroots organizing and civic engagement led by a broad coalition of diverse groups of people. We are proud to see the growing representation of American-Muslims in higher levels of government working to promote change and equality from within.
Our organizations are often asked about what can be done to help increase American-Muslim voter turnout and political representation. It is important to acknowledge the immense progress made by the Muslim community. The candidates who have been running since 2017, win or lose, have continued to build coalitions in their communities after their campaigns ended, which has resulted in more Muslims being engaged in issue-based organizing at local levels. There are now many more Muslim-led organizations working in multiple states, and more Muslims are turning their passion for economic and racial justice into local activism. But, it is crucial that we continue to grow our impact. Organizations need financial support to excel and thrive. Similarly, Jetpac’s research shows that candidates who receive financial support early have a
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 greater likelihood of performing well. Early fundraising success gives candidates a better opportunity to hire highly-skilled staff and consultants, provides media coverage that helps grow a candidate’s name recognition among voters and political influencers, and increases the likelihood of a campaign earning endorsements from impactful groups.
Increased political representation and higher civic engagement go hand in hand. The high level of voter registration and get out the vote efforts being organized by Muslim-led groups and elected officials in 2020 reflects this symbiotic relationship. For instance, CAIR’s most recent exit poll found that 84% of Muslims voted in the general election signaling their significant influence on the outcome of the election. Muslim-led organizations did incredible work on voter registration, relational organizing, and election protection training in 2020 that likely helped decide close races in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
This report is a comprehensive analysis of the 2020 results. Our upcoming project in collaboration with Jetpac is to build a comprehensive directory of Muslim elected officials serving at all levels of government. This will provide a wide audience of individuals including academics, politicians, researchers, and community members an insight into the landscape of American-Muslim civic engagment. We hope this report will continue to serve as an inspiration for Muslims and people of color to run for public office.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 2
NIHAD AWAD CAIR NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The American-Muslims who ran for “ office and won were able to do so by building grassroots campaigns made up of diverse coalitions fighting for a just future in which every Muslim American’s civil rights and freedoms can be upheld and protected. Now that the election is over, we all need to work to formulate public policies that “promote freedom and justice.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 3
MOHAMMED MISSOURI JETPAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR More and more American Muslims “ are answering the call for public service because we recognize that our democracy is stronger when our policymakers represent a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. American Muslim representation is a crucial part of defeating the rise of violent Islamophobia in our society, and I'm very glad that our community continues to build civic power “across all levels of government.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 4 2020 LINDA SARSOUR “ MPOWER CHANGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Muslim Americans are celebrating the election of members of our community across this country – from the school boards to the halls of Congress. No matter what happens on the presidential level, we will continue to build power, engage voters and focus on down ballot races because that’s “where the real impact on our lives lies.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 5 A total of KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS
A total of
Muslim Candidates in 28 states and181 Washington D.C. ran for were not elected but ran a public office in 2020, the highest 101close race with high voter number we have recorded. Muslims ran for Congress turn out. in 14 states.23 5 made it to Muslims won municipal18 seats. the general election with 3 winning reelection. First-time candidate, Mike Siegel, lost a close race to represent the 10th Congressional District in Texas. In total
44%of American-Muslim who CAIR, Jetpac, and MPower were successfully elected ran a campaign in 2020 Change identified 16 notable to office. In comparison, won their election. 80 American-Muslim hires incumbents were 49 Muslim candidates were and appointees to the re-elected31 in 2020 elected to public office in 2019, Biden-Harris administration. and 57 in 2018 (the previous with no one losing ran for judicial high mark in our record). 6 their seats. seats with 4 winning.
Of the
Although American Muslims are ran for county running across the country, some 19 states stood out: 33 ran in New positions in 8 states with 8 winning. Jersey; 27 ran in Minnesota; 23 in California; 20 in Michigan; and 9 Muslims ran for state candidates who ran in Massachusetts. legislatures47 in 22 states for46 a seat on a School with 23 winning. At least Committee or Board of six made history as the Education, 23 successfully first ever elected to a state won their elections. office in their state.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ANDRE CARSON (D-INDIANA) It’s an honor to once again be elected“ to serve the people of Indiana’s 7th Congressional District. Serving Hoosiers in Congress is the honor of my life and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Regardless of the outcome in other races, I pledge to continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the critical issues that matter to the people of Indianapolis. Our country, state and city are facing unprecedented challenges, and we must come together in order to “overcome them. 11/4/2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 8 2020 U.S. REPRESENTATIVE RASHIDA TLAIB “ (D-MICHIGAN)
To all my #13District residents: Thank you for your faith in me to continue fighting for our Western Wayne + Downriver + Detroit + Highland Park communities. I will never back down because you deserve someone who won’t sell you out and will always stay “#rootedincommunity. 11/4/2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 9 U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ILHAN “ OMAR (D-MINNESOTA)
We are building a movement that sees my struggle as inherently tied to your struggle, and sees a world where all workers can be uplifted. Together. Today’s vote - the results of this election - are not the end. This is just the “beginning. 11/3/2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 10 2020 RE-ELECTION SPOTLIGHT In total, thirty-one incumbents were re-elected in 2020 with no one losing their seats. The names listed below are the American- Muslims who were entrusted by their constituents to continue serving the public.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 11 RE-ELECTION SPOTLIGHT In total, thirty-one incumbents were re-elected in 2020 with no one losing their seats. The names listed below are the American Muslims who were entrusted by their constituents to continue serving the public.
CONGRESS
Rep. Ilhan Omar Rep. Rashida Tlaib Rep. Andre Carson (D-Minnesota) (D-Michigan) (D- Indiana)
STATE LEGISLATURE
Rep. Abdullah Rep. Aboul Rep. Hodan Rep. Mohamud Sen. M. Saud Sen. Mujtaba Rep. Nasif Rep. Safiya Rep. Ako Rep. Charles Rep. Jason Sen. Robert Sen. Sharif Sen. Sheikh Hammoud Khan Hassan Noor Anwar Mohammed Majeed Wazir Abdul-Samad Fall Dawkins Jackson Street Rahman D-Michigan House R-New Hampshire House D-Minnesota House D-Minnesota House D-Connecticut Senate D-North Carolina Senate D-North Carolina House D-New Hampshire House D-Iowa House D-New York State Assembly D-Pennsylvania House D-New York State Senate D-Pennsylvania Senate D-Georgia State Senate
COUNTY, JUDICIARY, MUNICIPAL, & SCHOOL COMMITTEE OR BOARD
Adel Mozip Sarah Khatib Fahim Aderabbo Hosam Haggag Maimona Afzal Mariam Bazzi Mehreen Butt Mohammed Raaheela Ahmed Sam Baydoun Helal Farhat Yameen Jaffer Charlene Elder Yousef J. Saleh Aziz Akbari Basim Elkarra Dearborn School Walpole Planning Clifton Board of Santa Clara City San Jose/Franklin Wayne County 3rd Wakefield Town Hussain Prince George’s Wayne County Wayne County 3rd Pittsfield Board of Wayne County 3rd City of Jersey City Alameda County Twin Rivers Unified Board, MI Board, MA Education, NJ Clerk, CA McKinley School Circuit Court, MI Council, MA Prospect Park School County Public Schools Commission, MI Circuit Court Trustees, MI Circuit Court, MI Council, NJ Water District Board of District, CA Board, NJ BOE, MD Director, CA Trustees, CA
SOURCE: NOTABLE AMERICAN-MUSLIM Hires and Appointees to the Biden-Harris Administration
Reema Dodin Ali Zaidi Sameera Fazili Dana Shubat Zayn Siddique Aisha Shah Hady Amer Adil Ahmed
Deputy Director Deputy National Deputy Director Senior Legal Senior Adviser Partnerships Deputy Attorney of the White Climate Adviser of the National Affairs Adviser to the White Manager at the Assistant Adviser, Office House Office to the White Economic to the White House Deputy White House Secretary of of the General of Legislative House Council House Chief of Staff Office of Digital State for Israeli- Counsel, Affairs Strategy Palestinian Department of Affairs the Army
Maher Bitar Samiyyah Ali Salman Ahmed Saima Mohsin Farooq Mitha Uzra Zeya Brenda Abdelall Isra Bhatty
Senior Director Deputy Director Acting U.S. Director of Nominated for Senior Adviser for Senior for Intelligence Associate of Policy Attorney for Small Business Under Secretary the Office of Civil Counsel at the Programmes Counsel in the Planning at Michigan’s Programs at the of State for Rights and Civil Department of at the National Office of White the U.S. State Eastern Department of Civilian Security, Liberties at the Justice Security Council House Counsel Department District Defense Democracy, and U.S. Department of (NSC) Human Rights Homeland Security
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 14 2020 2020 15 EIGHT MUSLIM CANDIDATES Who Made Representational History
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 16 2020 STATE REPRESENTATIVE MADINAH WILSON-ANTON (D-DELAWARE) Madinah Wilson-Anton (D-Delaware) is the first practicing Muslim lawmaker to serve in the state’s General Assembly and the first Muslim to hold the local state House seat as the State Representative for the 26th district.
“I think if you look at the teachings of the prophet and how their community at that time governed themselves, it’s just very obvious that it’s important to be involved in public life,” says Wilson-Anton. “Also, it sends a message, when people see a Muslim woman involved in public life. ‘Well, maybe my stereotypes about Muslim women aren’t accurate.’ The idea that Muslim women are quiet and at home, that they don’t have a voice, they’re oppressed and all that, I don’t know how anyone could look at me and say that.” - Madinah Wilson-Anton, 10/29/2020 (The Review)
STATE REPRESENTATIVE SAMBA BALDEH (D-WISCONSIN) In Wisconsin, Samba Baldeh became the first Muslim elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, and the first Black man to represent Dane County in the legislature.
“And now we will build back better and make sure every American has a chance to realize their potentials & be proud of this nation again…” - Samba Baldeh, 11/7/2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 17 2020 STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN (D-FLORIDA) Christopher Benjamin won the race to represent the 107th District in the Florida House of Representatives, becoming the first Muslim American elected to any state office in the Sunshine State.
“It’s overwhelming. I didn’t campaign with that in mind. This election was the culmination of my studies in political science, my bringing in my community and understanding its needs, and my community having confidence in me to lead in this way. Being the first Muslim ever to be elected statewide is just icing on the cake.” - Christopher Benjamin, 11/5/2020 (Religion News Service)
STATE REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT IMAN JODEH (D-COLORADO) Iman Jodeh (D-Colorado) won the race for the 41st District in the Colorado House of Representatives, she is the first Muslim lawmaker in the state’s history.
“I have lived in Aurora for 35 years, almost my entire life. I’m the daughter of Palestinian immigrants and refugees, and small business owners and teachers...Six years of advocacy at the legislature has allowed me to advocate for all communities, whether that’s women and families, immigrants and refugees, equal pay for equal work, or criminal justice reform. I think being a representative that is a practicing Muslim, that is an Arab American, brings a different lens to that representation, but for me, leaning on that track record of advocacy for all people is what I plan to continue at the legislature.” - Iman Jodeh, 11/10/2020 (CBS Denver)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 18 STATE REPRESENTATIVE FADY QADDOURA (D-INDIANA) Fady Qaddoura became the first Muslim to win an election to the Indiana State Legislature when he won the race for the 30th District in the State Senate.
“We did it! Only in America can someone immigrate to this country, work hard, and earn the trust of tens of thousands of voters to become the first Muslim State Senator in Indiana’s history.” - Fady Qaddoura, 11/4/2020
STATE REPRESENTATIVE MAUREE TURNER, (D-OKLAHOMA) Mauree Turner, the State Representative for the Oklahoma 88th District, is the first Muslim lawmaker elected to the state’s legislature.
“I didn’t need a legislative seat to care for and work in my community. Community organizers rarely need seats to provide for our neighbors, friends, and family. But the nation is changing and should serve all of our people. You shouldn’t have to have a degree to have healthcare or a well paying job. You shouldn’t have to work yourself into an early grave just to survive. We know that and we’re here to change that. We’re here to build an America that works for everyone. Nothing About Us Without Us.” - Mauree Turner, 11/5/2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 19 2020 COMISSIONER NIDA ALLAM (D-NORTH CAROLINA)
Nida Allam (D-North Carolina) made history by being elected as North Carolina’s first Muslim Woman elected official. She now serves on Durham County’s Board of Commissioners.
“Durham it’s official. Tonight you’ve not only voted for me to serve as your next County Commissioner, you elected me as the TOP vote getter! Thank you for making history with me!” - Nida Allam, 11/3/2020
COMMISSIONER NAFISA FAI (D-OREGON) Nafisa Fai was elected to the Washington County Commission in Oregon making her the commission’s first Black and Muslim member in history.
“Thank you so much to the voters of District 1 for giving me this opportunity to represent our community. Together, we can have a tremendous impact on the lives of our residents. A refugee girl from Somalia is now elected to be a Washington County Commissioner.” - Nafisa Fai, 11/4/2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 20 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIALS ELECTED IN 2020
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 21 2020 ARIZONA Arizona - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Muktar Balsz Elementary School District (Arizona) 21.9% Sheikh Results: Elected of the vote to rank 3rd out of 4 for 3 (Nonpartisan) available seats
CALIFORNIA
California - City Council
Political Office: Obtained East Palo Alto City Council (California) 15.7% Antonio Results: Elected of the vote to rank 3rd of 7 for 3 available seats in Lopez general election Editor’s Note: Youngest member of the city council, joining a (Nonpartisan) five-seat governing body w/ 2 veteran incumbents that were re-elected; first-time candidate
Obtained Political Office: Sam Foster City City Council (California) 24% Hindi Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st of 5 for 3 (Nonpartisan) available seats
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 22 Obtained Political Office: Irvine City Council Farrah Mayor (California) 48% Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st out Khan of 4 for one available seat in the general election Editor’s Note: Defeated incumbent Christina Shea in the general (D) election for Mayor of Irvine
Political Office: Obtained Sunnyvale City Council, Omar District 6 (California) 42.9% Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st out of 3 for one available seat Din in the general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: This was the city’s first ever district election
California - School Board
Political Office: Obtained San Francisco Aliya City College Board 11.7% (California) of the vote to rank 4th out Results: Elected of 11 for four seats in the Chisti general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: First time candidate; first Muslim woman to be elected in San Francsico’s history
Political Office: Obtained Twin Rivers Unified Basim Board of Trustees 58.9% Results: Incumbent of the vote to rank 1st out Re-Elected of 2 for one available seat Elkarra in the general election (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 23 Political Office: Obtained San Jose/Franklin- Maimona McKinley School 66.9% District (California) of the vote to rank Afzal Results: Incumbent 1st out of 2 for one Re-Elected available seat in the (Nonpartisan) general election Editor’s Note: First assumed office in 2018
California - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Alameda County Aziz Water District Director 23.96% (California) Obtained 23.9% of the Results: Incumbent vote to rank 1st out of 5 Akbari Re-Elected for 3 available seats in (Nonpartisan) the general election Editor’s Note: First assumed office in 2016
Political Office: Hosam Santa Clara City Clerk (California) Results: Incumbent Re-elected, Unopposed Haggag for one seat in the general election
(Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: First assumed office in 2018; Santa Clara’s first minority to be elected to the role
Political Office: Obtained Western Municipal Fauzia Water District, 46% Division 5 (California) of the vote to rank 1st of Results: Elected 4 for one available seat in Rizvi the general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: Defeated incumbent S.R. Lopez; ran for Corona City Council District and lost in 2018
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 24 2020 COLORADO Colorado - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Colorado State House Iman (District 41) 66% Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st of Jodeh 2 for one available seat in the general election Editor’s Note: Ran unopposed in the Democratic primary election; (D) beat Republican incumbent Robert Andrews
CONNECTICUT Connecticut - State Legislature
Political Office: M. Saud Connecticut State Senate (District 3) Results: Incumbent Re-elected, Unopposed in the Anwar general election (D) Editor’s Note: State Senator since 2019
DELAWARE Delaware - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Delaware State House Madinah (District 26) 71.6% Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st out Wilson-Anton of 2 for one available seat in the general election Editor’s Note: Finished first in Democratic primary with 42.7% of (D) the vote
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 25 FLORIDA Florida - State Legislature
Political Office: Florida State Legislature Won primary with Christopher (107th District) Results: Elected 60.6% Benjamin (Unopposed) rank 1st of the vote to rank out of 1 for one available 1st out of 2 for one seat in the general available seat (D) election
GEORGIA Georgia - State Legislature
Political Office: Sheikh Georgia State Senate (District 5) Results: Incumbent Re-Elected, Rahman Unopposed in the general election Editor’s Note: First assumed office in 2019; ran unopposed in the (D) Democratic primary election
INDIANA Indiana - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Andre US House of Representatives (IN-7) 62.4% Carson Results: Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 26 2020 Indiana State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Fady Indiana State Senate (30th District) 52.6% Qaddoura Results: Elected of the vote (D)
IOWA Iowa - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Ako Abdul Iowa State Representative 97% Samad (35th District) of the vote, Results: Elected ran unopposed (D)
MARYLAND Maryland - School Board
Political Office: winning Raaheela Prince George's County Public 98.2% Ahmed Schools (Maryland) of the vote; Results: Elected unopposed (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 27 MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Concord School Fatima Committee 55.7% (Massachusetts) of the vote Mezdad Results: Elected Editor’s Note: Fatima Mezdad, a first-time candidate, won (Nonpartisan) by nearly a 2-1 margin to become Concord’s first Muslim elected official.
Massachusetts - Municipal
Political Office: Walpole Planning Board Sarah (Massachusetts) Results: Elected (Ran unopposed Khatib for 1 of 2 board positions)
(Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: Sarah Khatib is Walpole’s first Muslim elected official.
Mehreen Political Office: Wakefield Town Council (Massachusetts) Results: Reelected (Ran unopposed for 1 of 2 Butt Council seats) (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: Mehreen Butt is Wakefield’s first Muslim elected official.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 28 2020 MICHIGAN Michigan - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Rashida U.S. House of Representatives 78.1% Tlaib (Michigan-13) of the vote Results: Elected (D)
Michigan - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Abraham Michigan State Senate (4th District) 89.7% Aiyash Results: Elected of the vote
(D)
Political Office: Obtained Abdullah Michigan State House (15th District) 70.5% Hammoud Results: Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 29 Michigan - City Council
Political Office: Obtained Sam Wayne County Commission 97.6% Baydoun (Michigan) of the vote; Results: Elected Unopposed (D)
Michigan - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Mo Crestwood School Board (Michigan) 23.4% Sabbagh Results: Elected of the vote for 1/2 positions (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Adel Political Office: Dearborn Public 16.7% Mozip Schools Board of the vote for 1/3 (Michigan) board positions (Nonpartisan) Results: Elected
Michigan - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Yameen Pittsfield Board of Trustees (Michigan) 24.78% Jaffer Results: Elected of the vote for 1 of 4 board positions (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 30 2020 Political Office: Obtained Eric Wayne County Treasurer (Michigan) 68.1% Sabree Results: Elected of the vote (D)
Michigan - Judicial
Political Office: Obtained Charlene Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court (Michigan) 6.5% Elder Results: Elected of the vote (Nonpartisan)
Obtained Political Office: Helal 3rd Circuit Court (Michigan) 6.1% Farhat Results: Elected of the vote (Incumbent) (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Mariam 3rd Circuit Court (Michigan) 7.2% Bazzi Results: Elected of the vote (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 31 MINNESOTA Minnesota - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Ilhan U.S. House of Representatives 64.3% Omar (Minnesota-5) of the vote Results: Elected (D)
Minnesota - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Mohamud Minnesota State House (District 60B) 98.1% Noor Results: Elected, of the vote; Unopposed Unopposed (D)
Obtained Political Office: Omar Minnesota State Senate (District 62) 89% Fateh Results: Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained Hodan Minnesota State House (District 62A) 89.6% Hassan Results: Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 32 2020 Minnesota - City Council
Political Office: Obtained Jamal Minneapolis City Council: Ward 6 55% Osman (Minnesota) of the vote Results: Elected (D)
Political Office: Obtained Abdullahi Political Office: New Brighton City Council 25.34% Abdulle (Minnesota) of the vote Results: Elected (Nonpartisan)
Minnesota - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Sharon Minneapolis Board of Education (Minnesota) 54.89% Dumas El-Amin Results: Elected of the vote for the only board (Nonpartisan) position
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 33 NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire - State Legislature
Political Office: Safiya New Hampshire State House (District 17) 54.3% Wazir Results: Elected of the vote
(D) Editor’s Note: ran uncontested in primary, incumbent
Political Office: Obtained Aboul New Hampshire State Legislature 21.6% (Rockingham 20th of the vote Khan District) Results: Elected (R) Editor’s Note: in office from 2012-2014, 2016-present
NEW JERSEY New Jersey - City Council
Political Office: Sophia Bernards Township Committee (New Jersey) 23.3% Chadda Results: Elected of the vote for 1 of 2 committee (D) positions
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 34 2020 New Jersey - City Council
Political Office: Obtained Yousef : Jersey City Council (New Jersey) 55.2% J. Saleh Results: Elected of the votes (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: first Muslim on Jersey City Council
Political Office: Obtained Mohammad Haldon City Council (New Jersey) 37.68% M. Ramadan Results: Elected of the vote to rank 2nd of 3 for 2 (D) available seats
Political Office: Obtained Alfred Linden City Council, Ward 4 (New Jersey) 82.25% Mohammad Results: Elected of the vote for 1 of 1 seats (D)
Obtained Political Office: Mountain Lakes Khizar Borough City Council 13.7% (New Jersey) of the vote to rank 2nd A. Sheikh Results: Elected out of 8 for 4 available seats (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 35 Political Office: Obtained Mt Laurel City Council Fozia (New Jersey) 18.89% Results: Elected of the vote Janjua earning the 3rd final seat Editor’s Note: first Muslim, South-Asian woman to be elected on (D) the Mt. Laurel City Council
Political Office: Obtained Shahin Paterson City Council Ward 2 (New Jersey) 30.48% Khalique Results: Elected of the vote for 1 of 1 seat (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Robyn Raritan Township Committee 27% Fatooh (New Jersey) of the vote for Results: Elected 1 of 2 seats (R)
New Jersey - School Board
Obtained Political Office: Smita Bloomingdale Borough Board of Education 26% Nadia Hussain (New Jersey) of the vote to rank Results: Elected 1st of 6 for 3 (Nonpartisan) available seats
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 36 2020 Political Office: Obtained Wasim Camden Board of Education 22.3% (New Jersey) of the vote for Muhammad Results: Elected 1 of 3 seats
(Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: President of the board as of April 2020
Political Office: Obtained Fahim Clifton School Board (New Jersey) 33.3% Abedrabbo Results: Elected of the vote for 1 of 3 seats (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: First Muslim Palestinian-American electetd to Clifton Board of Education
Political Office: Obtained Feras Clifton Township Board of Education 28.4% Awwad (New Jersey) of the vote for Results: Elected 1 of 3 seats (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Amani Prospect Park School Board 51.8% Syed (New Jersey) of the vote for Results: Elected 1 of 2 seats (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 37 Political Office: Obtained Al-Nisa Hillside Board of Education 51.8% Tucker (New Jersey) of the vote for Results: Elected 1 seat (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Mohammed Prospect Park School Board (New Jersey) 48% Hussain Results: Reelected with of the vote for 1 of 2 seats (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Amber Somerset/Watchung Board of Education 32.2% Murad (New Jersey) of the vote for Results: Elected 1 of 3 seats (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Kamal South Orange- Maplewood 100% Zubieta School Board of votes; (New Jersey) unopposed (Nonpartisan) Results: Elected
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 38 2020 Political Office: Obtained Nancy Tinton Falls Board of Education 99.9% Uddin (New Jersey) of votes; Results: Elected unopposed (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Adam Wall Township Board of Education 48.2% Nasr (New Jersey) of the vote for Results: Elected 1 of 2 seats (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Sahar Westfield School Board (New Jersey) 12.89% Aziz Results: Elected of the vote to rank 3rd of 10 for 3 available (Nonpartisan) seats
Political Office: Obtained Melinda West Orange Board of Education 23.6% Huerta Lee (New Jersey) of the vote Results: Elected (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 39 New Jersey - Judicial
Political Office: Obtained Bernice Somerset County Surrogate’s Court 53.84% “Tina” Jalloh (New Jersey) of the vote Results: Elected (D)
NEW YORK New York - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Robert New York State Senate (District 31) 88.4% Jackson Results: Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Zohran New York State Assembly (District 36) 98.5% Kwame Mamdani Results: Elected of the vote, ran unopposed (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 40 2020 Political Office: Obtained Charles New York State Assembly 68.8% Fall (61st District) of the vote Results: Elected (D)
NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Mujtaba North Carolina State Senate (District 38) 78.1% Mohammed Results: Elected of the vote
Editor’s Note: incumbent, won by a landslide in both primary as (D) well (59.4% ranking 1 of 3 candidates)
Political Office: Obtained Nasif North Carolina State House (District 99) 64.6% Majeed Results: Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 41 North Carolina - City Council
Political Office: Obtained Nida Board of Commissioners 20.1% Allam (North Carolina) of the vote for 1 of Results: Elected 5 seats, top vote getter (D) Editor’s Note: ranked 4 out of 15 candidates in the primaries
OKLAHOMA Oklahoma - State Legislature
Obtained Political Office: Mauree Oklahoma State House (District 88) 71.36% Turner Results: Elected of the vote
Editor’s Note: First Muslim lawmaker in Oklahoma’s State (D) Legislature
OREGON Oregon - City Council
Obtained Political Office: Nafisa Washington County Commissioner (Oregon) 57.9% Fai Results: Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 42 2020 Political Office: Obtained Nadia Beaverton City Council (Oregon) 71.2% Hasan Results: Elected of the vote (Nonpartisan)
PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania - State Legislature
Political Office: Pennsylvania State Sharif Senate (3rd District) 100% Results: Incumbent of the vote; Street Re-elected Unopposed (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: First assumed office in 2016
Political Office: Jason Pennsylvania State House (District 179) Dawkins Results: Incumbent Re-elected, Unopposed
(D) Editor’s Note: First assumed office in 2015
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 43 TEXAS Texas - Law Enforcement
Political Office: Obtained Fort Bend County Nabil Constable (Texas) 51.7% Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st of Shike 2 for one available seat in the general election Editor’s Note: First time candidate; first Muslim constable (D) in Precinct 4
UTAH Utah - School Board
Obtained Political Office: Mohamed Salt Lake School Board (Utah) 68.64% Baayd Results: Elected of the vote to rank 1st of 2 for one available seat in the general election (D) Editor’s Note: First time candidate
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 44 2020 VIRGINIA Virginia - Municipal
Political Office: Naila Herndon Town Council (Virginia) Results: Elected, secured 1 out of 6 Alam seats out of 8 running (D) Editor’s Note: First time candidate
WISCONSIN Wisconsin - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Wisconsin State Samba Assembly (District 48) 79.6% Results: Elected of the vote
Baldeh Editor’s Note: First Muslim member of the Wisconsin Legislature. Before his election to the Assembly, he served 6 years on the (Nonpartisan) Madison City Council, and was president of the City Council from 2018 to 2019.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 45 DIRECTORY OF CANDIDATES THAT RAN FOR OFFICE BUT WERE NOT ELECTED *We congratulate and commend all those who ran an amazing campaign. We look forward to working with you all to increase American-Muslim civic engagement.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 46 2020 ALABAMA Alabama - City Council
Obtained Political Office: Yusuf Selma City Mayor (Alabama) 13% Salaam Results: Not elected to finish 3rd of 12 for one available seat in (Nonpartisan) the general election
ARIZONA Arizona - U.S. House of Representatives
Political Office: Iman-Utopia U.S. House of Representatives (Arizona-2) Layjou Bah Results: Not Elected, (Write-in Candidate) (D)
Arizona - U.S. Senate
Political Office: Mohammad United States Senate (Arizona) Results: Not Elected, Arif Write-In Candidate (I)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 47 Arizona - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Arizona State Senate Ajlan (17th District) 47% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 2nd out of 2 for one Kurdoglu available seat in the general election (D) Editor’s Note: Ran unopposed in the Democratic primary election
Arizona- City Council
Political Office: Obtained Maricopa County Board Deedra of Supervisors (Arizona) 40% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 2nd out of 2 for one Abboud available seat in the general election (D) Editor’s Note: Ran unopposed in the Democratic primary election
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 48 2020 CALIFORNIA California - U.S. House of Representatives
Political Office: Obtained U.S. House of Representatives 22.4% (California-12) of the vote to rank Shahid Results: Not Elected 2nd out of 2 for one available seat in the Buttar general election Editor’s Note: Ran against incumbent Nancy Pelosi; Obtained 13% of the vote to rank 2nd out of 6 for two available seats in (D) nonpartisan primary elections
California - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained California State House (District 64) 40.5% Fatima Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 2nd out of 2 for one available seat Iqbal-Zubair in the primary election Editor’s Note: Lost to incumbent; Obtained 32.5% of the vote to (D) rank 2nd out of 2 for 2 available seats in the primary election
California - City Council
Political Office: Obtained Naz Freemont Mayor(California) 5.3% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank Khan 5th out of 6 for one (Nonpartisan) available seat in the general election
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 49 Political Office: Obtained Kashif Dublin City Council (California) 7% Qaadri Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 6th out of 9 for two (Nonpartisan) available seats in the general election
Political Office: Obtained Samir Dublin City Council (California) 11% Results: Not elected of the vote to rank 5th out Qureshi of 9 for two available seats in the general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: Was only 6% behind the 2nd and final seat
Political Office: Obtained Kamaal City Council, Lemon Grove Mayor 20.1% Martin (California) of the vote to rank 3rd out Results: Not Elected of 4 for one available seat (Nonpartisan) in the general election
Political Office: Obtained Faisal Fullerton City Council, District 2 28.7% Qazi (California) of the vote to rank 2nd out Results: Not Elected of 4 for one available seat (D) in the general election
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 50 2020 Political Office: Obtained San Ramon City Sabina Council (California) 30% Results: Not elected of the vote to rank 2nd out Zafar of 2 for one available seat in the general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: Was only 4% behind the winner.
Political Office: Obtained Belel Saratoga City Council (California) 15% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 4th out Aftab of 6 for two available seats in the general election (D) Editor’s Note: Was only 3% behind the 2nd and final seat
Political Office: Obtained Zarina Pleasanton City Council (California) 8.6% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 4th out of Kiziloglu 7 for two available seats in the general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: Was only 13% behind the second and final seat
California - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Basil Campbell Union High School District Trustee 33.4% Saleh Seat (California) of the vote to rank Results: Not Elected 2nd out of 2 for one (Nonpartisan) available seat in the general election
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 51 Political Office: Obtained Mohamed Danville Town Council (California) 5.07% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank ElSherbini 8th out of 9 for three (Nonpartisan) available seats in the general election
Political Office: Obtained Kaisar San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors 15.2% (California) of the vote to rank 3rd Ahmed Results: Not Elected out of 5 for one available (Nonpartisan) seat in the nonpartisan primary election
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DC - City Council
Political Office: Obtained Washington D.C. Council at Large 11.3% Marcus Results: Not Elected of the votes to rank 5th out of 24 for two Goodwin available seats in the general election (I) Editor’s Note: Was only 3% away from the second and final seat
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 52 2020 FLORIDA Florida - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Florida State House (District 119) 34.7% Imtiaz Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 2nd out of 2 for one available seat Mohammad in the general election Editor’s Note: The Democratic primary election was canceled; Mohammad advanced from the (D) Democratic primary
Florida - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Noor Coral Springs City Commission (Florida) 11% Fawzy Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 4rd out of 6 for one (Nonpartisan) available seat in the general election
Political Office: Obtained Khalid Orange County Property Appraiser 8% Muneer (Florida) of the vote to rank 3rd Results: Not Elected out of 3 for one available seat in the Democratic (D) primary election
Political Office: Obtained Vibert Orange County Soil and Water 11% "Issa" White Conservation District 3 of the vote to rank (Florida) 3rd out of 3 for one (Nonpartisan) Results: Unofficially available seat in the Withdrew general election
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 53 GEORGIA Georgia - U.S. Congress Obtained Political Office: U.S. House of Representatives of the12.3% vote to rank 3rd out Nabilah (Georgia-7) of 6 for one available seat Results: Not Elected in the Democratic primary election Islam Editor’s Note: Nabilah Islam, a first-time candidate, earned endorsements from national politicians and groups, like Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Ro Khanna. She narrowly finished 3rd in a 6-person Democratic primary, which was won by a (D) well-funded candidate with high-name recognition.
Political Office: Obtained Rashid U.S. House of Representatives 8% Malik (Georgia-7) of the vote to rank 4th Results: Not Elected out of 6 for one available seat in the Democratic (D) primary election
Georgia - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Mohammed Georgia State Senate (District 41) 15.2% Jahangir Hossain Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 3rd out of 4 for one available (D) seat in the Democratic primary election
Political Office: Obtained Josh Georgia State Senate (District 48) 22.4% Uddin Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 2nd out of 2 for one available seat in the Democratic (D) primary election
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 54 2020 Georgia - Municipal
Obtained Political Office: Maryam Dekalb County Commission District 41.4% Ahmad 6 (Georgia) of the vote to rank 2nd Results: Not Elected out of 2 for one available seat in the Democratic (D) primary election
Political Office: Obtained Md Dekalb County Commission (Georgia) 23.2% Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 3rd Naser out of 4 for one available seat in the Democratic (D) primary election
ILLINOIS Illinois - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Ameena US House of Representatives (IL-1) 7.8% Matthews Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Obtained Political Office: Rush U.S. House of Representatives 5.7% Darwish (Illinois-3) of the vote Results: Not Elected (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 55 Illinois - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Raees Illinois State Senate Illinois - City Council (District 22) 18.5% (Rae) Yawer Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Zahra DuPage County Board (Illinois) 46.5% Results: Not Elected of the vote for 1 Suratwala board position (D) Illinois- Judicial
Political Office: Obtained Azam DuPage Circuit Court Judge (Illinois) 8.57% Nizamuddin Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
MARYLAND Maryland - U.S. House of Representatives
Political Office: Obtained Hasan U.S. House of Representatives 0.7% (Maryland-7) “Jay” Jalisi of the vote, Results: Not Elected finishing 7th of 19 (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 56 2020 Political Office: Obtained Saafir U.S. House of Representatives 0.6% Rabb (Maryland-7) of the vote, Results: Not Elected finishing (D) 9th of 19
MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts - U.S. House of Representatives Political Office: Obtained U.S. House of Representatives 11.1% (Massachusetts-4) in a very competitive Ihssane Results: Not Elected primary race with 9 candidates Editor’s Note: Ihssane Leckey, a first-time candidate, ran a strong campaign Leckey that earned national endorsements, including from Rep. Ilhan Omar, and received positive local and national attention in a very competitive race with many well-funded candidates that have deep political ties. The winner of the (D) historically high-turnout race earned 22.4 percent of the vote.
Massachusetts - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Massachusetts Muzammil State House 15.3% (3rd Bristol District) of the vote Nazir Results: Not Elected Editor’s Note: I Muzammil Nazir, a first-time candidate, ran in a special election against a well-established school community member. Nazir ran a (D) strong campaign to build a foundation for future races.
Political Office: Obtained Syed Massachusetts State House (District 4) 28.8% Hashmi Results: Not Elected of the vote
(Independent) Editor’s Note: Syed Hashmi, a Westborough Selectman, ran as an independent against an incumbent Democrat.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 57 Political Office: Obtained Massachusetts State House 28.4% (12th Worcester District) of the vote, Ceylan Results: Not elected finished second in Dem primary Rowe Editor’s Note: Ceylan Rowe, a first-time candidate, ran a strong campaign earning endorsements from statewide groups and high-profile elected officials in Massachusetts. She ran against the staffer of the district’s retiring state representative, (D) and finished with a respectable second in the three-way Democratic primary.
Political Office: Won Massachusetts Nichole State House (35th Middlesex District) 44.3% Mossalam Results: Not Elected of the vote Editor’s Note: Nichole Mossalam ran a strong campaign earning many high-profile endorsements, and came up short against a (D) 19-year incumbent who was in House leadership. Massachusetts - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Foxboro School Committee 47.7% Salina (Massachusetts) of the vote Results: Not Elected Chowdhury Editor’s Note: Salina Chowdhury, a first-time candidate, lost by only 60 votes after earning high-profile endorsements, the (Nonpartisan) biggest name being Former Congressman Joe Kennedy, III. Salina is running again in 2021, also for Foxboro School Committee.
MICHIGAN Michigan - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Solomon Political Office: U.S. House of 19.1% Rajput Representatives of the vote (Michigan-12) (D) Results: Not Elected
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 58 2020 Michigan - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Mohammed Wayne County Commission (Michigan) 24.3% Hassan Results: Not Elected of the vote (D) Michigan- School Board
Political Office: Obtained Dima Bloomfield Hills School Board (Michigan) 15.5% El-Gamal Results: Not Elected of the vote (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Zakaria Crestwood School Board (Michigan) 7.8% Alhabbal Results: Not Elected of the vote for 1 of 2 board positions (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Mohamad Crestwood School Board (Michigan) 16.6% Berri Results: Not Elected of the vote for 1 position (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 59 Political Office: Obtained Batoul Dearborn Heights School Board (Michigan) 5% Biaz Results: Not Elected of the vote (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Maali Dearborn Heights School Board 20% Luqman (Michigan) of the vote Results: Not Elected (D)
Political Office: Obtained Nash Birmingham School Board (Michigan) 20.56% Salami Results: Not Elected of the vote for 1 of 2 positions (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Sharifa Dearborn Heights School Board 8.9% Galab (Michigan) of the votes for 1 of 3 Results: Not Elected board positions (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 60 2020 MINNESOTA Minnesota - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Dalia US House of Representatives 4.6% Al-Aqid (Minnesota-5) of the vote Results: Not Elected (R)
Minnesota - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Amir Minnesota State House (District 37B) 47.5% Malik Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained Sahra Minnesota State Senate (District 55) 38.3% Odowa Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained Suleiman Minnesota State Senate (District 59) 23% Isse Results: Not elected f the vote for 2nd in DFL primary (DFL)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 61 Obtained Political Office: Isaiah Minnesota State House (District 59B) 10.1% Whitmore Results: Not elected of the vote for 3rd in DFL (DFL) Primary
Political Office: Obtained Aswar Minnesota State House (District 60A) 3.8% Rahman Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained Amal Minnesota State House (District 60A) 7.4% Ibrahim Results: Not Elected of the vote
(D)
Political Office: Obtained Mohamed Minnesota State House (District 60A) 1.9% Issa Barre Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 62 2020 Political Office: winning Saciido Minnesota State House (District 60A) 3.4% Shaie Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Minnesota City Council
Political Office: Obtained Suud Minneapolis City Council (Minnesota) 0.79% Olat Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Won Murwo Mounds View City Council (Minnesota) 12.85% Mohamed Results: Not elected of the vote to finish 5/5 for (Nonpartisan) 2 seats
Political Office: Obtained Regina Olmsted County Commissioner 32% Mustafa (Minnesota) of the vote, Results: Not Elected finishing 2/2 (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 63 Political Office: Won Nemeh Spring Lake Park City Council (Minnesota) 11.17% Al-Sarraj Results: Not elected of the vote, finishing 4/4 (Nonpartisan) for 2 seats
Minnesota- School Board
Political Office: Obtained Hodan Burnsville-Eagan- Savage District 191 11.4% Ahmed Schools (Minnesota) of the vote Results: Not Elected (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Maryam Eden Prairie Public Schools, ISD 272 10.72% Abdi (Minnesota) of the vote, ranking Results: Not elected 5/6 for 3 seats (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Francesca Eden Prairie Public Schools (Minnesota) 13.66% Pagan-Umar Results: Not Elected of the vote, ranking 4/6 for 3 seats (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 64 2020 Political Office: Obtained Habiba Mankato Area Public Schools 5.39% Rashid ISD 77 (Minnesota) of the vote Results: Not elected (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Won Muna Marshall Public Schools (Minnesota) 9.45% Mohamed Results: Not Elected of the vote (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Farheen Prior Lake-Savage School Board 5.57% Hassan (Minnesota) of the vote Results: Not Elected (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Jamila St. Paul Public Schools (Minnesota) 20.33% Mame Results: Not Elected of the vote, ranking 2/6 (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 65 NEW JERSEY New Jersey - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Amani US House of Representatives (NJ-6) 3.8% Al-Khatahtbeh Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained Alp US House of Representatives (NJ-9) 2.4% Basaran Results: Not Elected of the vote (D) New Jersey - City Council
Political Office: Tayfun Old Bridge City Council (New Jersey) Selen Results: Not Elected Ranked 2nd out of 2 for 1 seat (R)
Political Office: Obtained Zeeshan Old Bridge City Council (New Jersey) 45.99% Siddiqi Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 2nd out of 2 for 1 (Nonpartisan) available seat
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 66 2020 Political Office: Mohammed Paterson City Council, Ward 2 (New Jersey) Aktharuzzaman Results: *Ranked 2nd of 5 for 1 seat (Nonpartisan)
New Jersey - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Sarah Political Office: Monroe Board of Education 12.8% Aziz (New Jersey) of the vote to Results: Not Elected (Accountability, Honesty, Dedication) rank 4th of 8 for 3 available seats
Political Office: Obtained Ali Political Office: Montgomery Township 14.1% Batliwala Board of Education of the vote to (New Jersey) rank 4th of 7 for 3 (Nonpartisan) Results: Not Elected available seats
Political Office: Obtained Irfan Holmdel/Monmouth County (New Jersey) 21.1% Lateef Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 4th of 4 for 3 (D) available seats
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 67 Political Office: Obtained Aisha Parsippany-Troy School Board (New Jersey) 14.11% Mahmood Results: Not Elected of the vote to rank 5th out of 6 for 3 (D) available seats
Political Office: Obtained Ahmed Political Office: Linden/Union County 12.1% Shehata Board (New Jersey) of the vote to rank Results: Not Elected 5th out of 9 for 3 (Nonpartisan) available seats
Political Office: Obtained Yusra Teaneck Board of Education 10.18% Subhani (New Jersey) of the vote to Results: Not Elected rank 5th of 6 for 3 (Nonpartisan) available seats
In 2020, a record number of 181 Muslim candidates ran for public office in 28 states and Washington, D.C.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 68 2020 NEW YORK New York - U.S. House of Representatives
Political Office: Shaniyat US House (New York-5) Results: Not Elected 24.1% Chowdhury of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained U.S. House of Badrun Representatives 5% (New York-14) of the vote Khan Results: Not Elected in primaries Editor’s Note: Ran against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary and received 5% of the vote in a 4-person (D) race. Incumbent Ocasio-Cortez won with 74.4% of the vote.
New York - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Moumita Queens Democratic Party Committee (New York) 15.6% Ahmed Results: Not Elected of the vote
Editor’s Note: Placed 2nd out of 8 candidates in the (D) special election New York- State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Mahfuzul New York State Assembly (District 24) 29.6% Islam Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 69 Political Office: Obtained Meherunnisa New York State Assembly 36.7% (Mary) Jobaida (District 37) of the vote Results: Not Elected (D)
NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Nasir U.S. House of Representatives 11.4% Shaikh (North Carolina-4) of the vote Results: Not Elected (R)
North Carolina - School Board
Political Office: Obtained Fahiym Guilford County Board of Commissioners, 33.3% Hanna 8th District of the vote (North Carolina) (D) Results: Not Elected
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 70 2020 OHIO Ohio - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Reem Ohio State Senate (District 2) 47.8% Subei Results: Not Elected of the vote (D)
Political Office: Obtained Mohamud Ohio State House (District 25) 23.3% Jama Results: Not Elected of the vote (D) Editor’s Note: Placed 2nd in a primary of 5 candidates
OREGON Oregon - Judicial
Political Office: Won Rima 4th Judicial District Circuit Courts 41.9% Ghandour Position 12 (Oregon) of the vote, finishing Results: Not elected runner up (Nonpartisan)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 71 PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania - State Pennsylvania - Municipal
Political Office: Obtained Nina Auditor General (Pennsylvania) 46.3% Ahmad Results: Not Elected of the vote Editor’s Note: Won the primary and finished in a respectable 2nd place in the general election. Top vote-getter received 49.4% of the vote. Candidate (D) raised an impressive $1.8 million in campaign funding.
TEXAS Texas - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Mike U.S. House of Representatives 45.3% Siegel (Texas-10) of the vote Results: Not Elected
(D) Editor’s Note: Won primary and placed 2nd in general election.
Political Office: Obtained Ahmad Political Office: U.S. House of 0.7% Adnan Representatives (TX-17) of the vote Results: Not Elected (R)
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 72 2020 Texas - City Council
Obtained Political Office: Euless City Council, Mubasher Place 4 (Texas) 39% Results: Not Elected of the vote for 1 available seat Warraich Editor’s Note: Mubasher Warraich’s campaign saw great popularity among the Pakistani community in Dallas, encouraging political engagement in the 2020 presidential (D) election as well.
Political Office: Obtained Mujeeb Keller City Council, Place 6 (Texas) 13.9% Results: Not Elected of the vote for 1 Kazi available seat (Nonpartisan)
Political Office: Obtained Frisco City Sadaf Council (Texas) 21.79% Results: Not Elected of the vote Haq placing 2nd in general election (Nonpartisan) Editor’s Note: First Muslim woman to run for Frisco City Council. Won primary election.
The 2020 elections were filled with groundbreaking moments for the entire country. To learn more about American-Muslim contributions to these historic moments.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 73 UTAH Utah- State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Utah State House Fatima Representative 49.3% (District 33) of the vote Dirie Results: Not Elected Editor’s Note: Won the primary and finished in a respectable 2nd place in the general election. Top vote-getter received (D) 50.7% of the vote.
Political Office: Jamilla Board of Education District 8 (Utah) Results: Won Primary, Withdrew from Alani General Election (D)
VIRGINIA Virginia - U.S. Congress
Political Office: Obtained Qasim U.S. House of Representatives 41.9% Rashid (Virginia-1) of the vote and ranked Results: Not Elected 2nd in general election Editor’s Note: First Muslim ever to win a congressional primary in (D) the state of Virginia.
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 74 2020 WISCONSIN Wisconsin - State Legislature
Political Office: Obtained Nada Wisconsin State Senate (District 26) 26.8% Elmikashfi Results: Not Elected of the vote
Editor’s Note: Received the endorsement from US (D) Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-5).
AMERICAN MUSLIMS BREAKING BARRIERS 2020 75