Tlaib and Omar Re-election: Two of Only Three Muslim Voices in Congress Resume Fight to End Continuing Genocide in Gaza
Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, the first Muslim women elected to the U.S. Congress, have been re-elected, ensuring their continued influence in American politics.
Their victories come amid the ongoing war in Gaza, where more than 43,000 Palestinians have died. Many continue to question the sustained U.S. diplomatic and military backing of its ally, Israel.
Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American woman in Congress, secured her fourth term on Tuesday. She defeated her Republican opponent with strong backing from Dearborn’s Arab-American population, winning 77 percent of the vote. Her opponent received 19 percent.
A vocal critic of U.S. military aid to Israel, Tlaib is also a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights in Gaza and the West Bank. Her comments following the Hamas attack last year led to a censure by the House.
Although Tlaib did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, she had urged Americans to vote.
Omar Solidifies Her Role in Progressive Politics
Omar, a Somali AmericanOmar, a Somali American and former refugee, won her third term in Minnesota, defeating Republican challenger Dalia al-Aqidi.
Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-American journalist who identifies as a "secular Muslim," criticized Omar for her support of Palestinian rights, accusing her of being pro-Hamas.
With 87 percent of the vote counted, Omar secured 76.4 percent, while al-Aqidi garnered 23.6 percent. Omar is part of the "Squad," an informal group of progressive lawmakers in Congress, which includes figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Tlaib and Omar have been relentless in their criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, the resulting humanitarian crisis, and the Biden administration's stance on the war—provoking fierce backlash from pro-Israel groups and fellow lawmakers.
Democratic Rep. Andre CarsonMeanwhile, Democratic Rep. Andre Carson, the third Muslim to be re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, won his race in Indiana’s 7th District, defeating Republican John Schmitz. Carson first entered Congress in 2008 following the death of his grandmother, Julia Carson, who had previously held the seat.
