History has been made as Qasim Rashid won a primary contest to become the Democratic Party’s nominee in the First Congressional District of Virginia.
Rashid, a Pakistani-born author, human rights activist and lawyer, is the first Muslim ever to win a congressional primary in the state of Virginia.
Winning the race, on Tuesday, June 23rd, the candidate discussed the prejudices he has faced in the past.
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“10 years ago a major law firm rescinded a job offer b/c I was ‘too Muslim’ & would ‘make clients uncomfortable,’” Rashid recounted in a tweet after his win, TruthOut reported.
“Last night I became the first American Muslim in Virginia history to win a Congressional primary election.
“That firm has since folded,” he added. “My fight for justice won’t stop.”
Though Rashid won the primary elections, winning the Congress seat in November might be more challenging for the Muslim politician.
The office is presently held by Rep. Robert Wittman (R-Virginia), who has represented the district since 2007.
Success Stories
Many American Muslims have been making achievements in political circles recently.
For example, Zulfat Suara made history in September, 2018, becoming the first Muslim elected to a Metro seat in Nashville, despite facing a lot of Islamophobic comments and threats.
Also in 2018, Ilhan Omar was elected as the first Somali-American (and hijab-wearing!) Congresswoman in the US.
Moreover, Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American Congresswoman, was also elected to represent the 13th congressional district of Michigan.
Movita Johnson-Harrell made history March, 2017, after winning the contested special election for the 190th District seat. Winning the seat, she became the first Muslim woman to be elected as a state representative in Pennsylvania.