Rashida Tlaib’s victory in a Michigan primary has assured her a seat in the U.S. House of Representative since the Democratic candidate is likely to be elected unopposed in November from the state’s 13th congressional district.
But her remarkable political achievement – which has grown out of years of political work, study and practice of law, and representation at Michigan House of Representatives – is just one of the many strides she has taken by reaching this milestone.
Tlaib will be the first American Muslim woman to be sworn in as a member of the U.S. House, the first Palestinian-American Muslim, the first Muslim woman of Arab heritage, and perhaps more importantly a role model for many American Muslim girls, who see the 42-year-old’s rise as breaking a glass ceiling through commitment and hard work.
All these firsts coincide with or emanate out of the current political scenario, as President Donald Trump’s immigration policies work largely as a cohesive factor for his supporters and a divisive issue for the nation.
Politically, Rashida Tlaib’s success marks emergence of a new generation of American Muslim voices at state and national levels. Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American politician and member of Minnesota House of Representatives, is also running for the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota’s 5th congressional district. Abdul El-Sayed ran for Michigan’s governor. Then there have been several Muslim officials in other state and local administrative positions. The U.S. House currently has two Muslim members including Keith Ellison and Andre Carson. Now, Tlaib’s elevation speaks about acknowledgment of her work as much as voter’s respect for diversity in a time of polarization.
Tlaib’s rise coincides with international scrutiny into the question of the Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Tlaib is acutely aware of the conflict, which has often put the U.S. in a state of international isolation in the face of opposition at the United Nations. Although Tlaib has not lately articulated her position on the issue, it’s very much a part of the discourse about who, and where she is.
“I want to thank my Mom, who is from the West Bank, they are literally glued — it’s like 5:00 in the morning and now it’s more than that — they are glued to the TV… my grandmother… my aunts and uncles in Palestine are sitting by [sobbing] and watching their granddaughter win this election,” she said, according to a Voice of America, which also called her a source of pride for the West Bank.
But Tlaib’s political victory also represents a huge American promise of equality and egalitarianism– enshrined in spirit and intent in the U.S. Constitution by Thomas Jefferson and later fortified by struggles like civil rights movement and policies of visionary leaders.
But this unique American pledge needs reaffirmation – whenever a community or communities struggle to find their voice – as a reminder that American means inclusiveness and pluralism not just in theory but in expression. This time that promise translates into a vibrant addition to diversity the highest level of legislature.
