Aber Kawas Wins New York State Senate District 12

Aber Kawas won New York State Senate District 12, becoming the first Palestinian American elected to the New York State Legislature. Her victory in Queens also made her the first hijab-wearing woman elected to the state legislature, according to election coverage. The race was called on November 3, with 90% of ballots counted. At the time of the call, Kawas had 75% of the vote, a figure reported as provisional rather than a certified final tally. Republican HanKhon To was her opponent. Kawas had previously won the Democratic primary in June. After the result, Kawas posted “We made history” on X alongside a Palestinian flag emoji. Her campaign focused on affordable housing, immigrant rights, workers’ rights and Palestinian rights. Other stated priorities included universal healthcare, public transport and climate action. Kawas, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Rashida Tlaib. She had worked in community organizing for more than 15 years before running for office, with work on immigrant and workers’ rights and issues affecting Arab and Muslim communities. Born and raised...