Aber Kawas elected to New York State Senate

Aber Kawas has been elected to the New York State Senate representing District 12 in Queens. Her victory in the 2026 midterm elections makes her the first Palestinian American and the first hijab-wearing woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

A Brooklyn-born community organizer and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Kawas secured approximately 75 percent of the vote. Her campaign platform, centered on an “affordability agenda,” focused on issues such as affordable housing, universal healthcare, public transit, immigrant rights, and climate action.

Kawas has over 15 years of experience in community organizing, having previously worked with the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Urban Justice Center. Her political background includes leading the “Not On Our Dime” campaign, which opposed state funding for West Bank settlements. She received endorsements from figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.