SMFNews: At Least 51 Muslim Americans Ran in 2026 Midterms Across 23 States
At least 51 Muslim Americans appeared on ballots across approximately 23 states in the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, according to an October investigation by Muslim Network TV. Preliminary reporting on November 4 found at least 36 Muslim candidates had won or were leading races, although some contests remained unresolved.
Muslim candidates sought office at every level
Muslim Network TV identified 11 candidates for federal office, including one U.S. Senate candidate and ten U.S. House candidates. Another 34 ran for state legislatures, with candidates also seeking statewide, county, local and judicial offices. The investigation identified 40 Democrats, four Republicans, two independents, one Green Party candidate and four candidates in nonpartisan contests.
Minnesota had eight identified candidates, Michigan six and Texas four. New York, Georgia, Connecticut and Illinois each had three. The news organization reviewed candidate listings, voter guides, officeholder records and reporting, counting only candidates whose Muslim identity could be confirmed or was widely reported. Its total is a documented minimum, not a complete census.
Abdul El-Sayed elected to U.S. Senate
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate, according to the Associated Press and Reuters. A physician and former public health official, El-Sayed campaigned on healthcare, affordability and limiting corporate influence. His Muslim identity also became a subject of attacks during the campaign.
Congressional victories
Muslim Network TV reported that eight Muslim candidates won congressional seats, including seven in the House. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, André Carson and Lateefah Simon won additional terms. Adam Hamawy won New Jersey's 12th District, becoming the state's first Muslim member of Congress. The outlet also reported victories for Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York and Aisha Wahab in California. In California's 14th District, however, the race between Wahab and fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez had not been called as of November 4 and votes were still being counted. Unofficial California Secretary of State results showed Wahab leading 56.5% to 43.5%. Other reporting differed on the preliminary House count, and results remain subject to certification.
State and local representation
Muslim Network TV reported victories or leads in 26 state legislative races and two judicial and county offices. Notable reported winners included Aber Kawas in New York, Nabeela Syed in Illinois, Ruwa Romman in Georgia, Zaynab Mohamed and Omar Fateh in Minnesota, and Letitia Plummer in Harris County, Texas. Some candidates were still awaiting complete vote counts.
A politically diverse community
The candidates did not represent a single political party or policy agenda. Their campaigns addressed healthcare, housing, education, immigration, foreign policy and civil rights. Muslim candidates also faced public scrutiny of their religious identities. The election illustrates growing Muslim American participation in institutions that shape national, state and local policy.
For the Shia Muslim Foundation, these elections underscore the importance of civic participation and equal access to public office for Americans of every religious background. The final scale of Muslim American representation will become clearer as officials certify election results.
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