New York: Palestinian-American community organizer Aber Kawas has secured a major political victory after winning the Democratic primary for New York State Senate District 12 in Queens.
She become the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature if she wins the general election.
Aber Kawas defeated Assembly member Steven Raga in the Democratic primary, receiving approximately 60 percent of the vote in the race for the open Senate seat.
Her victory marks a significant moment in New York politics and reflects the growing influence of progressive candidates in local and state elections.
Aber Kawas also received the endorsement of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign focused on democratic socialist policies and grassroots organizing.
Born and raised in New York to Palestinian parents, Kawas campaigned on issues including affordable housing, universal healthcare, immigration reform, climate action, public transportation improvements, and opposition to U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
According to her campaign, she has spent more than 15 years working with community organizations and advocacy groups focused on labor rights, immigrant communities, and social justice initiatives.
Her work has included participation in the Fight for $15 movement, immigration reform campaigns, and efforts challenging surveillance policies.
Kawas also highlighted her involvement in launching the “Not On Our Dime” campaign alongside Mamdani, which seeks to prevent New York-based nonprofit organizations from supporting activities that she says contribute to the violation of Palestinian human rights.
Aber Kawas frequently referenced her family’s personal experiences as Palestinian refugees and immigrants in the United States.
“When I was young, my father was detained by ICE and deported from the U.S. by the same cruel immigration system that is harming the people of Queens today,” Kawas states on her campaign website.
“These experiences shaped how I see the world, and made me the organizer I am today, determined to build power for poor and working people.” She added
Kawas has said her decision to seek public office was driven by a desire to challenge existing political structures and advocate for policies that she believes better serve working-class communities.
she argued that the federal government is “continuing to fund Israel’s genocide in Gaza with our tax dollars” while reducing social programs and expanding immigration enforcement, a position that has attracted both support and criticism.
Political observers say her primary victory reflects changing demographics and evolving political priorities in parts of New York City, where progressive candidates have increasingly gained support in recent years.
She now turns her attention to the general election, where a victory would make her the first Palestinian Muslim woman to serve in the New York State Legislature and add another historic milestone to the state’s political landscape.
