From county to congress, scores of Muslim Americans sweep to power after US election

A large number of Muslim American candidates ran for office in US elections in 2020, prominent advocacy organisations said on Wednesday, interpreting this as a sign of the community's growing political power.

Not only that, but this year's elections recorded a higher number of Muslim candidates and seats won than in previous years, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Jetpac and MPower Change said in a statement.

Out of 110 Muslim-Americans who ran for office in the 3 November general election, 62 were successfully elected.

In comparison, 49 Muslim candidates were voted into positions in 2019 and 57 in 2018.

"This report shows the rapid growth of American Muslim political power across the country," Mohammed Missouri, executive director of Jetpac was quoted as saying.

Twitter Post

"When we run for office and organise in our communities, we simultaneously shatter stereotypes and combat violent Islamophobia," Missouri said. "I'm grateful to every person and group who is dedicated to increasing our civic footprint."

Muslim-identifying candidates were on ballots across 28 states, running for Congress, county, state legislature, judiciary and municipal seats.

Read also: Comment : American Muslims won this election

"The number of Muslim Americans running for office - from local school boards to Congress - is indicative of how our community is committed to building political power," Linda Sarsour, executive director of MPower Change said, according to the statement.

A total of 22 Muslims ran for Congress across 14 states, with three - incumbents Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Andre Carson - winning seats.

According to the groups' observations, Muslims won: three Congress seats, 13 municipal seats, 22 state legislature
seats, six county seats, 12 school committee or board positions and four judiciary positions.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected