New Jersey elects first Muslim member to US Congress

Democrat Adam Hamawy has become New Jersey’s first Muslim member of the US Congress after defeating Republican Gregg Mele in the state’s 12th Congressional District election, according to the US media.

Hamawy, a plastic surgeon, retired US Army combat doctor and humanitarian medical worker, will succeed Democratic Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is retiring after 10 years in the House of Representatives.

Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, the 56-year-old is an Iraq War veteran who later took part in medical missions in Bosnia, Sudan, Lebanon and Syria.

His decision to enter politics was influenced by a humanitarian medical mission to southern Gaza in 2024, where he witnessed the impact of Israel’s war on the Palestinian territory.

A first-time candidate and outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Hamawy campaigned on introducing universal Medicare, ending US military aid to Israel, cancelling medical and student loan debt, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

After securing the Democratic nomination, he told supporters: “We made it clear you never need to ask for permission to fight for justice.”