Adam Hamawy Wins New Jersey House Seat
The Democrat, a former Army physician, takes the 12th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Islam
Democrat Adam Hamawy has won New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ, defeating Republican Gregg Mele. The safe Democratic seat is open because Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman is retiring.
Why it matters
Hamawy will be New Jersey's first Muslim congressman, a milestone for the state's House delegation. His win in a safe Democratic seat means the change in representation is set to carry through the district's next term.
Watson Coleman won her 2024 reelection bid by 25 points, indicating the district's strong Democratic lean. The source does not report Hamawy's final vote share or margin over Republican Gregg Mele.
The players
Adam Hamawy
A Democrat and former Army physician and surgeon who was trapped in Gaza in 2024 before being helped out, and who now wins New Jersey's 12th Congressional District seat.
Tammy Duckworth
A U.S. senator from Illinois and Army veteran who helped Hamawy and other physicians get out of Gaza in 2024.
Bonnie Watson Coleman
The outgoing Democratic congresswoman who represented New Jersey's 12th District and is retiring, leaving the seat open.
The details
Hamawy, a surgeon and former Army physician, prevailed in a crowded Democratic primary earlier this year before defeating Mele in the general election. In 2024 he was among a group of physicians trapped in Gaza when Israel closed the Rafah border crossing, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth helped him and others get out.
Timeline
2024: Hamawy was trapped in Gaza when the Rafah crossing closed, and Watson Coleman won reelection by 25 points.
Earlier in 2026: Hamawy won the crowded Democratic primary.
November 4, 2026: Decision Desk HQ projected Hamawy the winner of the general election.
Big Picture
Hamawy's path runs from being among physicians trapped in Gaza when Israel closed the Rafah border crossing in 2024 to winning a House seat in New Jersey. His win extends the recent pattern of Democratic primaries producing candidates with international humanitarian backgrounds.
For New Jersey's 12th District, the change in representation shifts who voters contact on federal matters, starting with the new member taking the seat. Residents of the district will see a new congressman in place of Watson Coleman when the term begins.
The takeaway
Hamawy's rise shows how a physician's international humanitarian experience can translate into a direct electoral path in a safe district. Voters in similar open seats should watch how candidates' professional backgrounds shape primary outcomes.
Further reading
Explore more on Islam coverage tied to this New Jersey race.
