The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is celebrating a landmark achievement in the 119th Congress with the election of four American Muslim US Representatives to Congress.

Representing California’s District 12, Lateefah Simon (D-CA) joined an esteemed group of re-elected Muslim representatives, marking a powerful step forward in representation for American Muslims, CAIR said in a statement.

Simon, who currently serves on the Bay Area Rapid Transit board, brings a wealth of experience to Congress.

Her distinguished career includes roles as the Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights in the San Francisco Bay Area and as a California State University Board of Trustees appointee under former Governor Jerry Brown.

Her election is a celebrated milestone, expanding the presence of Muslim voices in Congress.

Alongside Simon, CAIR congratulates re-elected Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), all of whom secured decisive victories on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

These victories mark a historic moment, with four American Muslims now serving in Congress.

New Milestone

In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert McCaw emphasized the significance of this milestone.

“Lateefah Simon’s election is a powerful reminder that American Muslims are making strides and finding their voices in the halls of Congress,” McCaw said.

“Especially during a time when many in our community feel the weight of rising Islamophobia. Her presence, alongside Representatives Carson, Tlaib, and Omar, demonstrates our community’s resilience and commitment to justice.

“This achievement should inspire every American Muslim to have faith in their ability to create positive change and to contribute to a more inclusive and just society.”

CAIR has been instrumental in mobilizing the nation’s over 2.5 million registered American Muslim voters, particularly during the final stretch of the election season.

In the days leading up to the election, CAIR sent over 600,000 text messages to remind Muslim voters across the country, including those in critical swing states, of the importance of their vote.

Looking ahead, CAIR is eager to collaborate with the new Congress to advance civil rights, social justice, and peace advocacy initiatives that benefit not only American Muslims but all Americans.

Source: About Islam