The recently concluded November 5th general elections in the United States saw historic participation from the Pakistani-American community. From state assemblies to a congressional race, Pakistani-origin candidates demonstrated their growing influence in American politics.
Fourth Consecutive Victory in Connecticut
Dr. Saud Anwar, a Democrat representing Connecticut’s 3rd District, won his fourth consecutive term in the State Senate. Garnering 27,359 votes (63.7%) against his Republican challenger Matt Siracusa, Anwar solidified his position as a political stalwart in the state. His consistent victories since first winning a special election in 2019 reflect his deep-rooted support within his constituency.
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A Karachi-born graduate of Aga Khan Medical College and Yale University’s Public Health program, Dr. Anwar is renowned for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He developed cost-effective ventilators to address the critical shortage of life-saving equipment. Despite the potential to commercialize his invention, he made the designs freely available online, emphasizing service to humanity.
In addition to his legislative achievements, Dr. Anwar has served as the Mayor of South Windsor and as Commissioner for Asian Pacific American Affairs. Speaking to Geo News, he reiterated his belief that both medicine and politics should prioritize public service.
Securing a Second Term in Texas
Salman Bhojani, a Democrat representing Texas’s District 92, won his second term unopposed. A Karachi-born attorney and law graduate from Southern Methodist University, Bhojani first entered the State Assembly in 2022 by defeating Republican Joe Levingston.
During his first term, Bhojani focused on healthcare, education, and immigrant rights, leaving a strong impression on his constituents. His uncontested re-election this year is a testament to his successful track record. Bhojani has urged Pakistani-Americans to engage more actively in the political process, emphasizing the transformative power of voting.
Another Term for Texas Democrat
In another significant victory for Pakistani-Americans in Texas, Dr. Suleman Lalani defended his seat in District 76 against Republican Lea Simmons. Lalani secured 56.1% of the vote (32,140 votes), maintaining his position as a champion of his community’s interests.
During his first term, Dr. Lalani co-sponsored resolutions to recognize Diwali and allow the rescheduling of standardized tests on religious holidays, including Eid. His efforts underscore his commitment to promoting multicultural representation and inclusivity.
Nevada’s First Pakistani-American Woman
Hanadi Nadeem made history in the 2024 elections by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a seat in the Nevada State Assembly, representing District 34. As a Democrat, she secured 52.9% of the vote (15,617 votes) in a competitive race against Republican Brandon Davis, who earned 47.1% (13,904 votes). Notably, Nadeem benefited from a unique advantage when the Democratic primary was canceled, allowing her to advance unopposed.
A healthcare entrepreneur, Nadeem is also an active community member. She has been involved with APPNA Alliance, an advocacy organization that provides medical assistance to women and children both in the U.S. and Pakistan. Her success marks a significant achievement for the Pakistani-American community in local politics.
Rising Star in California
Ali Sajjad Taj, a prominent Democrat and Mayor Pro Tem of Artesia, California, is preparing for a 2026 run for the State Assembly’s District 67. If successful, Taj would become the first Pakistani-American to hold a seat in the California State Assembly.
A former President of the League of California Cities, Taj’s rise from grassroots politics reflects his dedication to public service. His campaign promises to bring Pakistani-American representation to the forefront of California’s political landscape.
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Challenges and Defeats
Despite notable successes, several Pakistani-American candidates faced setbacks in their electoral bids.
Pennsylvania Congressional Race
Republican Aaron Bashir ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s Second Congressional District but lost to incumbent Democrat Brendan Boyle. Bashir received 75,980 votes (28.7%) compared to Boyle’s 189,166 votes (71.3%).
Bashir’s loss was attributed to the district’s Democratic leanings, the challenges of unseating an incumbent, and limited campaign resources. While he has contested multiple times since 2020, his increasing vote count suggests potential for future campaigns.
Pennsylvania State House Bid
Meriam Sabih, a Democrat, lost her race for Pennsylvania’s District 131 seat in the State House. She secured 41.7% of the vote (15,816 votes) against Republican incumbent Milou Mackenzie, who received 58.3% (22,140 votes).
Close Contest in Michigan
Attorney and filmmaker Aisha Farooqi ran for Michigan’s House District 57 but fell short with 42.8% of the vote (20,002 votes) against Republican incumbent Thomas Kuhn, who received 57.2% (26,749 votes). Farooqi’s inability to secure Macomb County, a crucial part of her district, was a key factor in her defeat.
New York Assembly Loss
In New York, Republican Aamir Sultan faced a heated race for State Assembly District 10, ultimately losing to Democratic incumbent Steve Stern. Sultan earned 44.1% of the vote (26,241 votes) compared to Stern’s 55.8% (33,200 votes). Sultan attributed his loss to a divisive campaign that targeted his faith, labeling him as “too extreme.” Despite the setback, Sultan remains optimistic about future opportunities.
Reflections on Pakistani-American Political Engagement
The participation of Pakistani-Americans in the 2024 elections emphasizes their growing role in shaping U.S. politics. While no candidate succeeded in reaching Congress this cycle, their consistent efforts signal a determination to break barriers and increase representation at all levels of government.
Repeated attempts, such as those by Aaron Bashir and Dr. Asif Mahmood (California’s 2022 Congressional race), reflect a commitment to building a stronger foothold in American politics. As Hanadi Nadeem’s win in Nevada demonstrates, strategic opportunities and community engagement can yield significant results.
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Pakistani-Americans are no longer content to remain on the sidelines; they are increasingly stepping up to participate in the democratic process. Victories like those of Saud Anwar, Salman Bhojani, Suleman Lalani, and Hanadi Nadeem serve as milestones in this journey, while losses provide valuable lessons for future campaigns.