Adam Hamawy becomes first Muslim elected to Congress from New Jersey

Egyptian-American surgeon Adam Hamawy has won the seat for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District in the midterm elections. He becomes the first Muslim and Egyptian American to represent the state in the US House of Representatives, according to results announced by the Associated Press.

Hamawy joined a blue wave that gave his party a projected majority of 250 seats in Congress. Republicans previously held the majority with 218 seats, while Democrats had 214. The victory marks a significant shift in the legislative balance coming into January.

During his victory speech in Princeton, Hamawy addressed the people of Gaza directly. He stated: "To the men, women and children of Gaza and Palestine. Your smiles give me the courage and the hope to fight for a better world." He also vowed to hold Donald Trump accountable.

The surgeon declared that he would stop the bleeding and fight for Americans left behind by the Washington establishment. His campaign slogan, "health care not bombs," resonated with voters who prioritized economic justice and an end to foreign wars over military expenditure.

Hamawy faced open anti-Muslim hate during his campaign, noting that his loyalty and patriotism were questioned. Despite attacks linking him to convicted cleric Omar Abdel Rahman, he brushed off the criticism. He had previously testified as a witness in the trial against the cleric in 1995.

A US Army veteran, Hamawy served as a combat trauma surgeon and treated victims at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. He volunteered as a physician in Gaza during 2024 and 2025, providing medical care amid the collapse of the territory’s healthcare system.