New directory highlights Muslims elected to office in 26 states

The directory highlights examples of elected Muslim officials serving in various roles

Among them are four members of Congress, 44 state officials, 18 judges, 11 mayors, 98 city council members, 63 elected officials in education and 15 elected to law enforcement, municipal, transportation or other positions, according to the report. 

At the state legislative level, Muslim representation includes 32 state representatives and 14 state senators.

The greatest number of Muslim elected officials are in New Jersey, 46, followed by 40 in Michigan and 24 in California.

The majority of those elected are men, 145; 110 are women. 

CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra said the directory “represents the growing political power and civic engagement of Muslim communities across America. Every Muslim serving on a school board, city council, state legislature, or in another public office opens the door wider for the next generation of Muslim leaders.”

Earlier this month, CAIR launched a new initiative, Muslims.Vote, a non-partisan civic engagement campaign, to equip American Muslims with tools and resources to vote, The Center Square reported. 

Of the estimated more than 8 million Muslims in America, more than 2.5 million are registered to vote. 

Muslims in America already have “the power to shape elections, especially in key swing states. But millions more eligible Muslim voters must register, show up, and make their voices count,” CAIR argues. “When we show up, our voices are heard, our votes matter, and our communities help build a more just future.”

Republican Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas have designated CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., as a foreign terrorist organization. CAIR rejects the designation and sued both governors. CAIR won its lawsuit in Florida. Its lawsuit in Texas is ongoing, The Center Square reported.

“Anti-Muslim extremists are attempting to tell American Muslims that we do not belong in the halls of power, these 228 public servants are proving otherwise every single day,” CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said, pointing to examples of elected Muslim officials. “Muslim Americans are not standing on the sidelines. We are serving our neighbors, strengthening our communities, and helping shape the future of our nation. We will not allow hate, intimidation, or political attacks to silence our voices or diminish our rightful place in American civic life.”

In addition to encouraging Muslims to vote, CAIR is also encouraging Muslims to run for office and highlighting those who already have.

Nearly half of U.S. states, 24, don’t have Muslims elected to office, Elkarra says. In order for more Muslims to be elected nationwide, “We must continue building political power from the ground up — registering voters, organizing our communities, holding elected officials accountable and encouraging more American Muslims to run for office,” he said. “Our community deserves a voice at every table where decisions about our future are made.”

The directory is designed to serve as a resource for Muslim communities, journalists, researchers, civic organizations, policymakers and others “to better understand the growing presence and impact of Muslim Americans in public service,” CAIR says. It reflects “a simple principle: stronger representation builds stronger communities and a stronger democracy.”