For Immediate Release: Nov. 7, 2018

Contact: Erin Williams, ewilliams@faithinaction.org, 202-748-0699

WASHINGTON —  Faith in Action, the nation’s largest network of faith-based organizing groups and congregations, congratulates Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan who are the first two Muslim women elected to the House of Representatives.

“We are incredibly proud. Candidates who brought Minnesotans together, won. Candidates who advanced divisive, anti-immigrant strategies trying to pit families against one another, they lost,” says Imam Asad Zaman of the Muslim Coalition of Faith in Minnesota. “Rep.-elect Omar will represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District as Congress’ first Somali-American member. She will fill the seat vacated by Rep. Keith Ellison, who was the first Muslim elected to Congress. Rep-elect Omar came to the U.S. as a refugee more than two decades ago. Both women will serve in Washington as an example of the contributions immigrants and refugees continue to make to our nation.”

“During a challenging time in our democracy, in which the politics of division and attacks against immigrants and communities of color dominated the public discourse leading up to the midterm election, we celebrate the elections of Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Their appointments will be key in future debates over welcoming immigrants and refugees and treat all human beings with dignity and respect,” said Sukaina Hussain, Lead Organizer, Faith in Fresno. “As we celebrate their elections, we are reminded that as people of faith, we seek to build a world where everyone belongs. We should never be judged by the color of our skin or where we were born, but by our commitment to creating a just society where all men and women are treated equally.”