Arab and Muslim Candidates Seek to Expand Presence in Congress

According to Alhurra, Abdul El-Sayed, an American physician of Egyptian descent, could become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate if he defeats his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, in Michigan.[1] The outlet says El-Sayed leads Rogers by 49.1 percent to 45.6 percent in the latest RealClearPolling average, based on surveys conducted through Oct. 29.[1]Alhurra cites Muslim Network TV, which has identified at least 51 Muslim candidates across roughly 23 states, including 11 running for Congress: one Senate candidate and 10 House candidates.[1]Dawn reports that at a Michigan rally on October 25, President Donald Trump called El-Sayed a "jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member" and suggested he should not be allowed into the Senate.[2]In the House races, Alhurra reports that Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, an American of Palestinian descent, is seeking another term representing Michigan.[1] The outlet says Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar is running to keep her seat in Minnesota amid a federal investigation into her immigration records[1], and that Omar denies any wrongdoing and calls the investigation politically motivated.[1]Alhurra also reports that in New Jersey, physician Adam Hamawy, a Muslim American of Egyptian descent, is seeking to win the seat in the state's 12th Congressional District.[1]According to Alhurra, a survey found that 53 percent of respondents said the rise in anti-Arab and anti-Muslim rhetoric had made them more inclined to participate in politics.[1]