Michigan Democrat Set to Become First Muslim Woman in Congress

Former Michigan state legislator Rashida Tlaib is set to become one of the first Muslim women in Congress after she won the Democratic primary for a U.S. House seat in the state’s 13th Congressional District. As the nominee in a district that has historically voted Democratic―and with no Republican challengers―Tlaib is all but guaranteed a seat in Congress in November’s general-election vote. She could be joined in the historic feat by one or more other female Muslim candidates who are also running in 2018. Tlaib will also become first Palestinian-American U.S. congresswoman. “People think it’s corny—I do want to change the world, and I want people like me to have a seat at the table,” the daughter of Palestinian immigrants told the HuffPost before the election. Tlaib is running on a progressive platform, including support of Medicare for All and a $15 per hour minimum wage.