Aber Kawas Wins New York State Senate Seat

Kawas becomes the first Palestinian American and Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature after winning Senate District 12 in Queens.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stone civic facade with a tall flagpole, set in deep red, cream, and navy, evoking state legislative institutions. — Aber Kawas won New York State Senate District 12 in Queens with 75% of the vote, becoming the first Palestinian American and Muslim woman elected to the state legislature. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Aber Kawas won New York State Senate District 12 in Queens with 75% of the vote in the November 4, 2026 general election. She won the Democratic primary in June before securing the general election seat.

Why it matters

Kawas's victory marks a first for Palestinian American and Muslim women in the New York State Legislature. For New York City residents, her campaign centered on an affordability agenda addressing housing costs, public transit, and immigrant rights.

The general election result gave Kawas 75% of the vote in Senate District 12. The source does not provide total ballots cast or the vote shares of opposing candidates.

The players

Aber Kawas

Brooklyn-born community organiser who won New York State Senate District 12 and is the first Palestinian American and Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

Zohran Mamdani

New York City Mayor who endorsed Kawas's campaign.

Democratic Socialists of America

Political organization that campaigned alongside Kawas during her run for office.

The details

Kawas is a Brooklyn-born community organiser who returned to New York in 2024 after completing a Master's degree in Islamic Liberation Theology at the University of Johannesburg. Her campaign was endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and ran alongside the Democratic Socialists of America.

2024: Kawas returns to New York after completing her Master's degree.
June: Kawas wins the Democratic primary.
November 4, 2026: Kawas wins the New York State Senate District 12 election.

Political Context

Kawas's victory extends the record of Muslim and Arab American representation in New York state government by adding a first for Palestinian American women. Her campaign's focus on West Bank settlement funding through the Not On Our Dime campaign places her positions within an ongoing debate over state non-profit funding.

Kawas campaigned on an affordability agenda targeting high housing costs and public transit, issues that directly affect New York City residents' daily expenses. Her positions on immigrant rights may shape state policy affecting immigrant communities across the city.

The takeaway

Kawas's election shows how local campaigns centered on housing affordability and immigrant rights can translate into state legislative representation. Residents tracking Queens and New York City policy should watch how her Senate District 12 agenda develops.