Adam Hamawy Becomes First Muslim US Congressman from New Jersey

Adam Hamawy, an Egyptian-American reconstructive surgeon and US Army veteran, has been elected to the US Congress representing New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. His campaign focused on the theme of "healthcare not bombs," a platform he developed after witnessing the devastating effects of war during medical missions to Gaza in 2024 and 2025. While many voters inquire about how healthcare providers manage complex systems, Hamawy centered his political message on challenging a national system that he argues funds foreign genocide while leaving citizens burdened by medical debt.

Adam Hamawy is the first Muslim American elected to the US Congress from New Jersey.

Hamawy’s path to office was marked by extensive service. A retired lieutenant colonel, he served for eight years as a US Army officer, including a deployment to Iraq in 2004. During that time, he treated then-helicopter pilot Tammy Duckworth, who credits him with saving her life and limb. Following his military career, Hamawy participated in humanitarian missions in various nations, including Haiti, Jordan, and Lebanon. His recent experiences in Gaza profoundly shaped his political outlook, as he described the destruction there as unprecedented and a "genocide."

Navigating political challenges

His candidacy faced significant opposition. Critics, including Democratic rival Adrian Mapp, labeled him a "radical extremist," citing his early association with Omar Abdel Rahman, a figure convicted of seditious conspiracy. Hamawy has repeatedly condemned the actions and rhetoric of Abdel Rahman, stating he testified at the 1995 trial only out of civic duty. Furthermore, Hamawy spoke out against the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment during his campaign, emphasizing that Muslim Americans belong in the political fabric of the nation.

Why it matters

Hamawy’s election marks a historic milestone as New Jersey’s first Muslim US congressman. His victory, supported by groups like the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, signals a shift toward bringing firsthand witness testimony of international conflicts directly into the halls of the US government. For his constituents, this represents a push for a re-evaluation of US military funding and domestic healthcare priorities.