Re-Elected! Tlaib and Omar Continue as First Muslim Women in U.S. Congress

By: Buthayna El Haggar

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, two of only three Muslim voices in the U.S. Congress, have secured re-election in their respective districts.

The duo, famously known as members of “The Squad,” solidified their political presence while other Squad members like Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush faced defeat in their primaries.

These losses were attributed to intense opposition from pro-Israel lobbying groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which poured resources into challenging progressive candidates critical of Israeli policies.

Tlaib’s Re-Election Victory

Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress, won her fourth term in Michigan’s 13th District. Running unopposed in her primary, Tlaib defeated Republican James Hooper in the general election.

Known for her outspoken criticism of U.S. military support for Israel, particularly amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Tlaib remains a leading progressive voice.

Tlaib’s victory further solidifies her influence in the fight for Palestinian rights and advocacy for the oppressed in Gaza and the West Bank.

Omar’s Re-Election Victory

Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American former refugee, won her third term in Minnesota’s 5th District, defeating Republican challenger Dalia al-Aqidi. Omar has long been a vocal critic of U.S. policy towards Israel, particularly in the context of the Gaza genocide.

Her re-election was marked by a vigorous campaign that involved extensive outreach, including door-knocking, phone calls, and text messaging.

Omar’s victory, with a decisive margin of around 76.4 %, reinforces her position as a prominent figure in progressive politics and foreign policy criticism. 

A Broader Context: Criticism of U.S. Policy Toward Israel

Both Tlaib and Omar have been relentless in their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. Their stance has led to significant backlash from pro-Israel groups and some of their colleagues in Congress.

As outspoken critics of U.S. military aid to Israel, Tlaib and Omar’s re-election ensures their continued influence on discussions surrounding foreign policy and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

André Carson: The Third Muslim Voice in Congress

In addition to Tlaib and Omar, Democratic Rep. André Carson of Indiana also won re-election, securing his seat in the 7th District. Carson, the third Muslim congressperson, has served since 2008, following the death of his grandmother, Julia Carson, who previously held the position.

The re-election victories of Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar underscore the enduring power of progressive voices in U.S. politics.

As two of only three Muslim members in Congress and the first Muslim women ever elected to the House, their continued presence ensures that issues such as Palestinian rights, U.S. foreign policy, and humanitarian crises will remain at the forefront of political discourse.

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