Rashida Tlaib Set To Be First US Muslim Congresswoman

Former Michigan state lawmaker Rashida Tlaib has won the US Democratic nomination to run unopposed. Rashida, who is of Palestinian origin, is all set to become the first Muslim woman from the minority community to be elected to the US Congress.

Rashida (42) has won the battle to replace former US Representative John Conyers Jr. in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Democratic primary. Former Rep. John Conyers has held the seat since 1965.

Conyers stepped down in December citing health reasons amid charges of sexual harassment of several female staffers.

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However, before she achieves this victory, Rashida needs to overcome two big challenges. These include the Democratic establishment and Islamophobia.

No Republicans or third-party candidates are running for the seat. This means Tlaib is virtually guaranteed to win the seat in November's election

Rashida served in the Michigan House from 2009 until 2014. She defeated five other candidates after which she won the nomination to run for a full term representing the heavily Democratic 13th District. The district which she represents covers much of Detroit in Wayne country and some of its suburbs. Boundary lines were redrawn in 2012. And the 13^th District is the only congressional district which is entirely within one county.

Rashida became the first Muslim woman in the state legislature in 2008. Prior to her political career, she was a lawyer and community activist. Even after leaving the legislature, Rashida has remained active in the community. She kept fighting for social justice as an attorney and advocate at the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice.

Picture Credit: Middle East Eye

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Deepali Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV