Meet the Mamdani-endorsed candidate that could become the first Palestinian in New York Senate

Meet the Mamdani-endorsed candidate that could become the first Palestinian in New York Senate Submitted by Yasmine El-Sabawi on Tue, 06/09/2026 - 15:59 Aber Kawas has been organising locally around the issues closest to her community for more than a decade Aber Kawas speaks to members and supporters of the New York Immigration Coalition during a rally for immigration reform in Foley Square, New York City, on 28 June 2016 (Drew Angerer/Getty Images via AFP) Off There are fewer than 10 Palestinian Americans who have ever been elected to statewide offices in the US, and Aber Kawas is looking to add to that number. On 23 June, the Democratic Socialist from the New York City borough of Queens is seeking the Democratic candidacy for Senate District 12, in a primary race that pits her against Filipino-American assemblyman Steven Raga. The winner will carry their campaign through the November midterm elections, and if successful, will begin their term in New York's capital, Albany, in January.