Rashida Tlaib becomes first Palestinian-American woman to win congressional seat

Rashida Tlaib (D) on Tuesday won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, setting her up to become the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress.

The former Michigan state representative was widely expected to secure the win with no Republicans and no independents running against her in the racially diverse, urban district.

Minnesota congressional candidate Ilhan Oman (D) and Tlaib are poised to become the first two Muslim-American women to serve in Congress. 

“Congratulations to my sister @RashidaTlaib on your victory!” Omar tweeted after Tlaib’s victory on Tuesday night. “I cannot wait to serve with you, inshallah.”

Congratulations to my sister @RashidaTlaib on your victory!

I cannot wait to serve with you, inshallah.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 7, 2018

Tlaib, who ran for a House seat previously held by former Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), defeated five other candidates in the state’s crowded Democratic primary. 

Conyers in December 2017 resigned amidst sexual harassment allegations, citing health concerns. 

Tlaib has joined dozens of other progressive candidates across the country in saying she will likely not support House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for leadership.