This Youngest Muslim Elected Official in the U.S. Has Now Her Eyes on Congress

As part of our In the Spotlight series, the youngest Muslim elected official in the U.S. shares her path, values, and vision for the future while running for Congress.

In the Spotlight is Youth Observer’s signature interview series featuring extraordinary young leaders, changemakers, and visionaries. From politics to activism to entrepreneurship, we highlight bold voices shaping the future.

At 27, Bushra Amiwala has already made history as the youngest Muslim elected official in the United States. Now, she’s setting her sights on Congress — aiming to represent Illinois’s 9th District at a pivotal moment for the country. In this candid conversation, Bushra shares why she’s running, the values guiding her campaign, and her message for the next generation of leaders.

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For those who don’t know you yet, who is Bushra Amiwala? How would you introduce yourself beyond your titles and résumé?

I am the 27-year-old daughter of Pakistani immigrants who has lived in Illinois’ 9th District my entire life. My message and vision for the country are rooted in that history. Like everyone in my generation, I've spent my entire adult life in Trump’s political environment. I am tired of it and want to bring a fresh perspective to my community and the country. Life needs to be more affordable, healthcare needs to be universal and neighborhoods need to be Trump-proofed.

You’ve already made history as the youngest Muslim elected official in the country. What motivated you to now run for Congress, and why now, in this moment?

My motivation to run is twofold: My platform will make life safer and more affordable for everyone in my district, and my experience has shown me that real leadership doesn’t wait its turn. Through serving on the Skokie School Board as the youngest Muslim elected official in the country, I learned that inaction and the status quo are choices made by ineffective leaders. However, complacency is not inevitable. We need candidates who have the vision to see what's next and the courage to push for change. So many Gen-Zers have grown cynical of politics and politicians, and fairly so, but I deeply believe that fearless leaders and bold policy will move this country forward. A culture of “wait your turn” and seniority has placed far too many of those status quo leaders at the top of the Democratic Party, and 2026 is the time to change that.

Jan Schakowsky, the longtime incumbent in Illinois’s 9th District, is not seeking re-election after serving for over two decades. With several candidates now jumping into the race, how optimistic are you about your chances, and what makes your campaign uniquely positioned to carry this seat forward?

I am very optimistic about our chances, but frankly I would be doing this even if I wasn’t. I am in the race because I have the best program for my district to thrive, and these changes cannot wait until it’s politically convenient. This seat has been held by the same congresswoman since before I was born, so there are a lot of candidates in the race who feel they have “waited their turn”. Many of them have had admirable careers in politics, but the challenges of 2026 and beyond are not the challenges of 2015. I am reflecting what I know my community wants in their representative: a leader who earns their vote with her vision for a safer, more affordable future, rather than representation that feels entitled to the seat because it's their turn.

You've raised over $250,000 already, without support from big-money lobbies or political insiders. What tips would you give to young people considering a run for office but lacking resources? Any marketing or outreach advice?

Raising money for a campaign is exciting, but it’s also grueling. I am proud of the $250,000 we have already raised, especially given how connected our donors are to the district I am running to represent. Before I give my tips, I want to say that part of what I want to do in Congress is change how elections work in this country. If we want our best leaders to serve us, we can’t ask them to spend the majority of their time each week asking for money. It’s a process that keeps young candidates out of races too, because they don’t have the right group chat of megadonors that their older, establishment opponents do. Now getting off my soapbox and answering the question, my main piece of advice is to keep faith in those around you. I didn’t grow up around any mega-donor group chats, but I continue to be inspired by how many people want to help me and believe in me. If what’s holding you back is “why would anyone support me?” then I’m here to encourage you to just ask. You will be shocked.

Are you borrowing any strategies from grassroots campaigns like AOC’s or Zohran Mamdani’s? What tactics or values are you carrying forward from those movements?

AOC and Zohran are incredibly inspiring. To me, they represent a shift in our politics away from what you say to me and towards what you do for me. Both AOC and Zohran felt like candidates that sprang to prominence from out of nowhere, but the early years they spent organizing for their beliefs gave them unique insight into what their communities needed—more insight than any focus group or poll could come up with. Their campaigns demonstrate that it is impossible to represent a community that you don’t love and aren’t a part of. So of course, I will be on TikTok now and then, looking for my Zohran-type moments. But really what I take from their movement is that, although I am a Gen-Z Muslim woman, my most important identity is a person who listens to and loves my community.

Since Zohran’s primary victory and amid growing Islamophobia and xenophobia, do you think your identity as a Muslim woman will be weaponized in this campaign? How do you plan to respond while staying focused on your message?

The question is framed in the most accurate way: my identity will be weaponized. It’s a low-ball attempt to otherize me and my campaign, which is ironic since I’m the only candidate in the field who has lived in this district my entire life. It’s also a shallow attempt to distract from my messaging. I’ll have to internally remind myself to bring the discussion back to my platform that will make life better for the residents of my district. That’s what voters want to hear about. Islamophobia and xenophobia are distractions from progress, and pretty lazy ones at that. But that doesn’t mean they’re not real; we have a responsibility to stand up to hate and division. The Islamophobia I will face is a small reflection of the day-to-day bigotry that too many of your readers, and my constituents, face. It is incumbent upon us to reject bigotry in all its forms. My campaign is unequivocal in its messaging that no one should feel unsafe or unwelcome in the place they call home.

In today’s political climate, conversations around Gaza, trans rights, and undocumented immigrants have become politically risky, even within the Democratic Party. If elected, how would you stand firm on these issues in Congress?

I’m proud to advocate for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a stance I’ve maintained with 370+ other elected officials around the country. What’s happening in Gaza is unacceptable. Defenseless civilians—including 900,000 children—are dying of hunger. Meanwhile, our own tax dollars are funding the crisis by sending weapons to Israel. Voters following the news from Gaza are outraged, as they should be. And this is not just about one conflict. It’s about a broader commitment to upholding international law and protecting human dignity. In Congress, I’ll fight to uphold human rights abroad and at home. Not only have I rejected any type of AIPAC-affiliated funding, but I’ve rejected donors who give to organizations like AIPAC, too. My stance is a moral obligation, and it cannot be bought.

You’ve made faith a bridge rather than a barrier, hosting interfaith events and advocating for inclusive education laws. How does your personal identity shape your public leadership?

Building coalitions has always been the framework to enact positive, wide-scale change. Upon being elected to the board of education in 2019, a lot of parents shared concerns about their children’s dietary needs. This wasn’t just Muslim parents advocating for Halal food; it was also Jewish parents advocating for Kosher food, and Hindu parents advocating for vegetarian options. Inclusion isn’t just about representing the demographic I’m a part of; it means standing firm and showing up for all communities.

If elected to Congress, what would be your top three priorities in your first year, and why those specifically?

Education, economic justice and healthcare.

Education: We need to take 1% of our defense budget and reallocate it to schools nationwide. It may not sound like a radical change, but even increasing federal funding for education by 1% can save families thousands of dollars in property taxes, and afford us the quality schools our students deserve. My experience serving on my district’s school board has prepared me to serve all the students of IL-09.

Economic justice: I believe that economic inequality undermines our democracy. I will work to raise the minimum wage, protect the right to unionize and ensure that our economy works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. This means supporting small businesses to thrive in our communities and incentivizing them to stay by leveraging intergovernmental agreements between federal and municipal authorities.

Healthcare: Our country needs Medicare For All. Bernie Sanders put this solution on the map, and it is our generation's time to get it done. Our healthcare system is broken. Implementation will take time, so I will ensure that comprehensive mental healthcare is the first step in remaking our system. This includes proactive preventative check ups, reactive care, and covering the cost of medication.

Why should voters, especially young people, support you? What vision are you offering that they won’t get from a more traditional candidate?

Young voters should support me because I am going to fight to make their lives safer and more affordable. Every campaign will say something like that, so you all deserve more. Unlike traditional candidates, I have lived these problems. Politicians and pundits recite talking points about how young people face an affordability crisis or skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety. But they will only ever speak to us, not fight with us. I have seen ICE invade my community in Skokie, Illinois; I experienced the effects of social media as a kid and can see how much worse it is for kids today; and I have seen the prospect of buying a house fade away as I get squeezed financially. It scares me, frustrates me, and every so often challenges the hope I have. Supporting me means not giving up on that hope to do better. If you find yourself frustrated and scared at times by what's ahead, then let’s get in the game and fix it. We win elections now so we can change our future later.

You’ve come a long way since being a policy debate champ and college intern. What’s the most humbling or surprising lesson you’ve learned on your journey so far?

There are people who don’t play by the rules, and lean on disinformation and click bait. It is frustrating, but that will make it feel even sweeter when we win.

Lastly, what advice would you give to young people, especially first- or second-generation Americans, who feel powerless but want to make a difference?

We can win our way. There is no one to mimic and no talking point to memorize. We change the system by beating it in our own way. Focus on what inspires you, political or otherwise, and be great at it. Take pride in your work and don’t be afraid of taking on powers that don’t understand it. I’ll be cheering you on, and I hope you will be cheering for me too. If you want to help us out sign up at bushraforcongress.com.

Disclaimer: This interview is part of Youth Observer’s In the Spotlight series, which profiles inspiring young leaders from around the world. It is not a paid piece, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any political candidate or campaign by Youth Observer.