Key facts
- Aber Kawas is running for the Democratic nomination in New York's Senate District 12.
- She is endorsed by Zohran Mamdani.
- Kawas aims to represent marginalized communities and build on progressive momentum.
- Her campaign focuses on immigrant rights and challenging the status quo.
- The race occurs amid a rise in attacks on Muslim-American individuals and institutions.
Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, is seeking the Democratic nomination for New York Senate District 12 in a primary race scheduled for June 23. She is running against Filipino-American assemblyman Steven Raga, with the winner advancing to the November midterm elections. Kawas has received an endorsement from Zohran Mamdani, whose progressive campaign in 2025 focused on issues like rent control and pro-Palestinian stances.
Kawas, who immigrated to the U.S., aims to leverage the momentum from Mamdani's movement to advocate for marginalized communities. She draws on her extensive experience in local organizing, focusing on immigrant rights, mutual aid, and challenging the status quo. Her personal history includes her father's deportation after the 9/11 attacks, which fuels her commitment to immigration reform and preventing similar experiences for others.
The candidate acknowledges the challenging political climate, noting a significant increase in attacks against Muslim-American individuals and institutions. She believes that expressing support for Palestinian rights signals a willingness to speak truth to power, a quality she feels voters seek in their local politicians. Kawas sees political openings and opportunities for transformation, motivating her to enter the electoral arena.