Aber Kawas becomes first Palestinian American elected to New York State Legislature

Aber Kawas has won her bid for the New York State Senate District 12 seat, taking a 75 percent share of the votes with 90 percent of the votes counted when the race was called by the New York Times. Kawas has made history as the first hijab-wearing Palestinian American to serve in the New York State Legislature. She joins a small list of Palestinian Americans to ever be elected at the state level across the US. Kawas posted a short message to X after the victory saying, "We made history". "Fund dignity, fight destruction" was the slogan Kawas campaigned with. "Fund dignity" refers to her stance on healthcare for all, fast and reliable public transportation, and affordable housing. "Fight destruction" refers to her positions on stopping climate change, protecting immigrants and her "No money for war" stance. Kawas is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, a group that has made unprecedented gains since its member Zohran Mamdani won the historic mayoral race in New York City last year. Read more: Aber Kawas becomes first Palestinian American elected to New York State Legislature