World Must Read

US elections 2024: Pakistani-Americans who won and lost

Donald Trump triumphed over Democrat Kamala Harris to achieve a historic second term in the White House.

Webdesk

|

8 Nov 2024

American Pakistanis have made their mark in the significant general elections that took place on November 5th in the United States.

By engaging in the democratic process, they have crafted their own bit of history, no matter how small.

Republican Donald Trump triumphed over Democrat Kamala Harris to achieve a historic second term in the White House, with backing from Arab Americans, Hispanic Americans, and various other communities.

So, which candidates from the Pakistani community emerged victorious? Let's explore.

Dr. Saud Anwar - Connecticut

Dr. Saud Anwar, a dedicated Democrat, has been elected for his fourth consecutive term. He represents District 3 in the Connecticut State Senate, receiving 27,359 votes (63.7%). His Republican opponent, Matt Siracusa, garnered 15,570 votes (36.3%).

In 2022, Dr. Saud secured his seat by obtaining 18,968 votes. At that time, he defeated Republican challenger Matt Harper, who received 12,189 votes. In the 2019 special general election, Dr. Saud also claimed victory in the same district with 4,737 votes against Sara Muska (3,317 votes).

An undated image shows Pakistani-American Democrat Dr Saud Anwar. — Author

Dr. Saud hails from Karachi and graduated from Agha Khan Medical College. He later attended Yale University, where he earned a master's degree in Public Health.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he gained international attention for creating a cost-effective and straightforward design for an incubator capable of supporting seven patients.

Salman Bhojani - Texas

Salman Bhojani has made a name for himself by winning District 92 uncontested. Bhojani received 35,166 votes. In 2022, he triumphed over Republican Joe Levingston by a margin of 5,500 votes.

Originally from Karachi, Bhojani resides in Euless, Texas. He earned a law degree from Southern Methodist University and worked as an attorney before pursuing a career in politics.

An undated image shows Pakistani-American Democrat Salman Bhojani. — Author

Bhojani called upon the Pakistani American community to participate in politics and ensure their voices are heard through voting.

Dr. Suleman Lalani - Texas

Dr. Suleman Lalani successfully regained his position in District 76 of Texas. The Democratic incumbent faced a challenge from Republican Lea Simmons and secured 32,140 votes (56.1%), while Simmons received 25,197 votes (43.9%).

Ali Sajjad - California

One of the key Democrat Delegates, Ali Sajjad Taj, is campaigning for the California State Assembly District 67 in the 2026 election.

If he is victorious, Taj will make history as the first Pakistani-American to serve in the California State Assembly.

Currently, Sajjad holds the position of mayor pro tem in Artesia, which falls within District 67, and seeks to represent this area in the State Assembly.

Who faced defeat in US elections?

Aaron Bashir - Pennsylvania

Despite efforts, no American-Pakistani succeeded in reaching Congress. However, they have persistently pursued their ambitions.

Aaron Bashir was reportedly the only American-Pakistani who ran for a seat in the US House of Representatives on November 5. He ran on a Republican ticket in a significant swing state that had previously supported Donald Trump.

In Pennsylvania's Second Congressional District, he was defeated by incumbent Democrat Brendan Boyle. In one of my seven special programs for Geo News, I had noted that his chances of winning were slim.

Meriam Sabih - Pennsylvania

Meriam Sabih, a Democrat, also experienced a defeat in her campaign. This graduate of Lehigh University has previously worked as a journalist as well. She ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to serve District 131.

An undated image shows American-Pakistani Democrat Meriam Sabih. — Author

Meriam secured only 15,816 votes (41.7%), while her incumbent Republican opponent, Milou Mackenzie, received 22,140 votes (58.3%).

Aisha Farooqi - Michigan
Attorney and filmmaker Aisha Farooqi ran for the Michigan House of Representatives, representing District 57. In a closely contested race, Farooqi garnered 20,002 votes (42.8%), while incumbent Republican Thomas Kuhn secured 26,749 votes (57.2%), ultimately winning the seat.

Though she was not successful, Farooqi graciously accepted her defeat. In an interview with Geo News, she reflected on her campaign, noting that while she had won Oakland County, it was Macomb County, where she had hoped to secure a win, that led to her loss. Ironically, Macomb County is the same area she represents as a member of the Black Caucus.

Aamir Sultan - New York
Republican challenger Aamir Sultan ran for the New York State Assembly in District 10 but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Steve Stern. Sultan received 26,241 votes (44.1%), while Stern secured 33,200 votes (55.8%).

Sultan had hoped to turn the district, which leans purple, from Republican to Democrat, but his campaign was marred by personal attacks. A local voter accused Stern, a Jewish politician, of running a campaign that targeted Sultan’s faith, labeling him as “Too Extreme” and “Too Dangerous.”

Hanadi Nadeem - Nevada
Hanadi Nadeem made history as the only Pakistani-American woman to win a State Assembly seat in this election cycle. A Democrat, Nadeem now represents Nevada's District 34.

In a tight race with no incumbent, Nadeem won with 15,617 votes (52.9%), narrowly defeating Republican challenger Brandon Davis, who received 13,904 votes (47.1%). Nadeem's victory marks a significant milestone for the Pakistani-American community in Nevada.