2026 US Midterms: Meet the Muslim Women Making History in American Elections

From the US Congress to state legislatures, Muslim women secured significant victories in the 2026 midterm elections, retaining seats, winning new offices and breaking political barriers across the country.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Muslim women recorded notable victories in the 2026 United States midterm elections, with established lawmakers securing re-election and new candidates winning seats in Congress and state legislatures.

Among them were Palestinian-American, Somali-American and Indian-American women whose political journeys have expanded Muslim representation in American public life. Several have also faced political attacks and scrutiny over their identities, faith and positions on issues including Palestine.

Here are seven Muslim women whose victories and political milestones stood out in the elections.

Rashida Tlaib – US House of Representatives, Michigan’s 12th District

Rashida Tlaib secured a fifth term in Congress, retaining the Michigan seat she has represented since 2019. The daughter of Palestinian immigrants, she made history in 2018 as the first Palestinian-American woman elected to the US Congress. She remains the only Palestinian-American member of Congress and has been a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights, civil liberties and working-class communities. Her positions on Israel and Palestine have repeatedly placed her at the centre of political controversy and attacks from opponents.

Ilhan Omar – US House of Representatives, Minnesota’s 5th District

Somali-American lawmaker Ilhan Omar won another term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. She and Tlaib made history in 2018 as the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress. A former refugee who arrived in the United States as a child, Omar has become one of the most recognisable Muslim voices in American politics. A member of the progressive congressional group known as the Squad, she has advocated for immigrant rights, healthcare access and Palestinian rights, while facing repeated political attacks over her background and positions.

Darializa Avila Chevalier – US House of Representatives, New York’s 13th District

Darializa Avila Chevalier won New York’s 13th Congressional District after defeating longtime incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary. A Dominican-American civil rights investigator and doctoral student who converted to Islam, she has been described as an Afro-Latina Muslim. Her campaign focused on housing, immigration and Palestinian rights. Her election brings a new Muslim voice to the House of Representatives and marks a significant political breakthrough in the district.

Aber Kawas – New York State Senate, 12th District

Palestinian-American community organiser Aber Kawas won New York’s 12th State Senate District, representing Queens. Her victory makes her the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature. Born and raised in Queens, Kawas built her political profile through grassroots organising and advocacy, including mobilisation around Palestine and the situation in Gaza. Her election adds another Palestinian-American voice to the state’s legislature.

Iman Jodeh – Colorado State Senate, 29th District

The daughter of Palestinian immigrants, Iman Jodeh won Colorado’s 29th State Senate District. She had already made history in 2020 when she became the first Muslim and first Arab woman elected to Colorado’s legislature, and is also recognised as the first Palestinian-American elected to the Colorado General Assembly. After serving in the state House, she was appointed to the Senate in 2025 before securing election to the seat in 2026. Her public work has included advocacy on immigrant rights, affordable housing and healthcare.

Ruwa Romman – Georgia State Senate, 7th District

Palestinian-American lawmaker Ruwa Romman won Georgia’s 7th State Senate District after previously making history in 2022 as the first Muslim woman and Palestinian-American elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. Her move to the state Senate marks another milestone in her political career and expands Muslim and Palestinian-American representation in the Deep South. Her public advocacy has included healthcare, public education and Palestinian rights.

Nabeela Syed – Illinois State Senate, 26th District

Indian-American Democrat Nabeela Syed won Illinois’ 26th State Senate District, defeating Republican Darby Hills and flipping the seat for the Democrats. She first made history in 2022, when she was elected to the Illinois House at the age of 23, becoming one of the youngest members of the state legislature and one of the first Muslim women elected to the Illinois General Assembly. Her 2026 victory marks her transition from the state House to the Senate.

Their victories form part of a wider increase in Muslim representation across American public institutions. Muslim Network TV reported that at least 36 Muslim candidates had won or were leading races across federal, state and local offices as of Wednesday, November 4, although some results remained preliminary.

The same election also saw Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed win a seat in the US Senate, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber.

As vote counting and official certification continue, these women’s victories stand among the notable outcomes of the 2026 midterm elections.

Flash News