Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib have been re-elected to the United States House of Representatives. The two Democrat representatives are the first female Muslims to hold elected office in the US House of Representatives. Furthermore, Tlaib is the sole woman of a Palestinian nationality to hold a seat in the Parliament. She secured enough votes for another four years as a congresswoman in Michigan. She enjoyed support from the substantial Arab-American population in Dearborn.
In Minnesota, Ilhan Omar also retained her position for another term, increasing the years of her representation to at least 12 years. She is the representative for a predominantly Democratic constituency which, in its turn, covers a large portion of Minneapolis. Omar is of a Somali-roots and was formerly a refugee to the United States.
To run for office in the firmly Democratic region, Tlaib overcame Republican James Hooper and proceeded unchallenged. She has been an outspoken challenger of Washington’s military armament of Israel during the conflict in Gaza. Omar also vehemently condemns the Israeli assault in Palestinian lands.
Omar appreciated those who supported for their tireless efforts during her election campaign. “Our efforts were worthwhile. A total of 117,716 doors were knocked. 108,226 calls were made. Additionally, we texted 147,323 times.” Omar also noted the achievement is for EVERYONE who thinks that a better tomorrow is feasible.
Both Muslim Representatives of the US congress participate in an unofficial parliamentary faction called “The Squad.” Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and other leftist lawmakers in Congress make up the group.
Cori Bush in Missouri and Jamaal Bowman in New York, two more “Squad” participants, missed chances of securing their seats during the Democratic primary. They stood against rivals who received huge funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a campaigning organization active in providing support of Israel.
During the months leading to the November 5 election, the organization has contributed over $100 million to US presidential and congress campaigns. It was described as an attempt to stifle congressional voices that supported Palestine. Besides, the Squad faced severe legal restriction in expanding the campaigns to other states and constituencies. The pro-Israeli political structure of the United States normally resists against voices that promote the Palestinian agenda.
