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Aber Kawas becomes first Palestinian American elected to New York State Legislature
Aber Kawas has won the New York State Senate District 12 race, becoming the first hijab-wearing Palestinian American to serve in the state legislature. Her election adds to the small number of Palestinian Americans elected to state-level office across the US.
With 90 per cent of votes counted when the race was called, Kawas had 75 per cent of the vote. Her campaign slogan, “Fund dignity, fight destruction”, reflected support for universal healthcare, reliable public transport and affordable housing, alongside action on climate change, immigrant protection and opposition to funding war. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
In short
- Aber Kawas won New York Senate District 12 with 75 per cent of the vote.
- She is the first hijab-wearing Palestinian American in the state legislature.
- Her campaign focused on public services, climate action and opposing war funding.
Explained simply
New York’s state legislature makes laws and approves spending for the state. The State Senate is one of its two chambers, and each senator represents a district; District 12 is in New York City.
Aber Kawas is a Palestinian American politician and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, a political group that supports democratic control of parts of the economy and expanded public services. Her campaign focused on healthcare, transport, housing, climate change and immigrant protection, as well as opposing public funding for war.
Her election is notable because Palestinian Americans remain uncommon in elected state-level office across the United States. Representation in state government can shape decisions on services and policies that affect residents’ daily lives.
Americas Elections Government Politics World