Aber Kawas, a Brooklyn-born community organiser, won New York State Senate District 12 in Queens on November 3, 2026
Aber Kawas has made history in New York, becoming the first Palestinian American and first hijab-wearing woman elected to the state’s legislature. The Brooklyn-born community organiser won New York State Senate District 12 in Queens during the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. She secured approximately 75 percent of the vote, with 90 percent of ballots counted when the race was called. Celebrating her victory on X, Kawas wrote, “We made history.” Her election marks a significant moment for Palestinian American and Muslim women’s representation in New York politics. However, the distinction applies specifically to New York. Fady Qaddoura, a Palestinian American politician, has served in Indiana’s State Senate since 2020.
From Community Organising to the State Senate
Kawas was born and raised in Brooklyn to Palestinian parents who immigrated to the United States during the 1990s. She graduated from the City College of New York in 2014 with a degree in International Studies. She later completed a master’s degree in Islamic Liberation Theology at the University of Johannesburg before returning to New York in 2024. Before entering electoral politics, Kawas spent more than 15 years organising campaigns involving workers’ rights, immigrant communities and Palestinian rights. She also helped lead the Not On Our Dime campaign, which sought to prevent New York-based nonprofit organisations from supporting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Her victory came during her first campaign for elected office.
Kawas spent years as a community organiser, working on workers’ rights, immigrant communities and Palestinian rights
Affordable Housing and Healthcare Shape Her Campaign
Running as a Democratic Socialists of America candidate, Kawas campaigned under the slogan “Fund dignity, fight destruction.” Her priorities included affordable housing, universal healthcare, public transportation, climate action and stronger protections for immigrant communities. She also advocated reducing American support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Kawas defeated Assembly member Steven Raga in the June Democratic primary before winning the November election against Republican Han Khon To. Her campaign received support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. The result reflected support for her political programme in a district where housing costs and economic pressures remain important concerns.
A Historic Victory Brings Political Debate
Kawas’s election has drawn attention beyond Queens because of her Palestinian heritage, Muslim identity and political positions. Her supporters view the result as an important step towards greater representation in American government. For Palestinian American communities and Muslim women who wear the hijab, her election brings a perspective that has historically been less visible in state politics. However, her campaign also attracted criticism from conservative commentators over her statements and positions on Israel, Gaza and American foreign policy. Critics have questioned aspects of her democratic socialist agenda, while supporters argue that her electoral victory demonstrates public support for her priorities. Her performance as a legislator will now be assessed through her policy proposals, legislative work and service to constituents.
Aber Kawas Prepares to Take Office in Albany
Kawas is expected to take her seat in the New York State Senate in January 2027. Her responsibilities will include representing communities across District 12 and working on legislation affecting housing, healthcare, transportation and public services. Turning campaign promises into law will require cooperation with other lawmakers, including those who may disagree with her political positions. Her election has already established a historic first for New York’s legislature. The next stage will determine how effectively she translates her years of community organising into legislative action.
Daughter of Palestinian Immigrants, Aber Kawas Set to Join New York State Senate
