From Congress to city halls and state legislatures, Arab and Muslim women are making their mark on US politics, breaking barriers and opening doors for more women to have a seat at the table. Through their achievements, these women are helping reshape representation and change the narrative, one milestone at a time.
Ilhan Omar
First Muslim Somali-American Woman Elected to US Congress in 2018
Born in Somalia, Ilhan Omar made history alongside Rashida Tlaib when the two became the first Muslim women elected to the US Congress in 2018. She went on to represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, taking office in January 2019. She also just won reelection to a fifth term representing Minnesota’s District in the 2026 midterm elections.
Rashida Tlaib
First Palestinian Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress in 2018
The daughter of Palestinian immigrant parents, Rashida Tlaib made history in 2018 when she was elected to represent Michigan in Congress. She was also the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan Legislature, a milestone she achieved back in 2008.
Sadaf Jaffer
First Muslim Woman to Become a Mayor in the US in 2019
In January 2019, Sadaf Jaffer made history when she became the first Muslim woman to serve as mayor of a municipality in the United States. An educator and researcher, she served two terms as mayor of Montgomery Township before moving on to the New Jersey State Legislature.
Shahana Hanif
First Muslim Woman Elected to the New York City Council in 2021
Born and raised in Brooklyn to Bangladeshi immigrant parents, Shahana Hanif made history when she was elected to represent New York City’s 39th District in 2021. A longtime community organiser, she has focused on advocating for working-class families, immigrant communities, and women’s rights.
Nadia Mohamed
First Muslim Somali-American Woman Elected Mayor in the US in 2023
At just 27, Nadia Mohamed made history when she was elected mayor of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, becoming the first Somali American to win a mayoral election in the United States. Having previously served on the city’s council, she has made community representation and bringing different voices into local government central to her work.
Aber Kawas
First Palestinian- American Woman Elected to the New York State Senate in 2026
Palestinian American community organiser Aber Kawas made history in November 2026 after winning the New York State Senate race in Queens. Her victory in New York State Senate District 12 makes her the first Palestinian American elected to the New York State Legislature and the first Muslim woman to hold a seat in the state’s legislature.
From becoming the first Muslim woman in Congress to breaking barriers in state legislatures and city halls, these women are making their voices heard in spaces where representation matters. Their achievements go beyond personal milestones, helping open doors for the next generation and showing that Arab and Muslim women have a place at every level of American politics.
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