This year's midterm election was a historic election for Muslim Americans, with a record number of community members elected to their respective seats.
This time Republican Mehmet Oz lost his seat to Pennsylvania, he would have been the nation's first Muslim senator had he won his seat.
Although 82 Muslim candidates won local, state, federal and judicial seats in 25 states, a report by the Jetpack Resource Center and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) found.
In 2020, 71 Muslim Americans won the election.
2022 was a record-breaking year for Muslims running for state legislative seats:20 incumbents successfully ran for reelection2 appointed lawmakers ran for a full term & made history as the first Muslims elected to their respective state legislature17 new candidates won pic.twitter.com/BCNHukJUDu— Jetpac Resource Center (@Jetpac_Inc) November 11, 2022
CAIR's National Executive Director Nihad Awadh said the "historic link" of victory is a testament to the continued rise of our community in American politics and the trust our neighbors have placed on us to represent them and fight for their interests.
There have also been some historical events in record-breaking numbers, such as the first Muslim state legislators being elected in Maine, Illinois, Ohio, and Texas. Georgia Has the Second Largest Number of Muslim State Legislators.
What makes this victory even more important is the widespread hatred and discrimination the Muslim community still faces.According to The Muslim Community Network in New York City, more than 26% of Black Muslims and 32% of Asian Muslims experienced or witnessed a hate crime in the first half of 2022. This is an issue that many people include teenagers have experienced.
Jenna, 17, told CBS Reports for a documentary that debuted earlier this year. "At school, I have been called a 'towel-head,' 'terrorist.' I certainly faced a lot of issues."
she said that "The moment pride is taken away from you, your whole being, your existence ceases".
Source: CBS NEWS