Adam Hamawy becomes the first Muslim elected to Congress from New Jersey
Democrat Adam Hamawy — a former army surgeon who worked in Gaza — won New Jersey's 12th district in the November 3 midterms to become the first Muslim elected to Congress from the state.
Democrat Adam Hamawy won a seat in the US House of Representatives from New Jersey's 12th congressional district in the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, becoming the first Muslim elected to Congress from New Jersey. He defeated the Republican candidate, lawyer Gregg Mele. According to the New Jersey Globe, Hamawy took roughly 70 percent of the vote; financial and exact final figures differ somewhat across sources.
Who is Adam Hamawy?
Adam Hamawy is an American surgeon who was born in Egypt and raised in Old Bridge, New Jersey; he is Muslim. He graduated from Rutgers University and then New Jersey Medical School, and practises as a reconstructive (plastic) surgeon. Before winning the general election, Hamawy had also prevailed in the Democratic primary held in June.
An army surgeon
Hamawy is a former US Army surgeon who retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 2004 he served about nine months in Baghdad, Iraq. During that period he is reported by several outlets to have helped save the life of Tammy Duckworth — later a US senator — after her helicopter was shot down.
Medical missions in Gaza
According to Al Jazeera, Hamawy took part in medical missions to Gaza in 2024 and 2025, treating patients at the European Hospital near Rafah. When Israel took control of the Rafah crossing he was temporarily stranded, and he is reported to have refused evacuation until the non-American members of his team could leave safely.
"Healthcare not bombs"
Hamawy ran his campaign under the slogan "healthcare not bombs" and called for an end to US military aid to Israel. After his victory he said: "To the men, women and children of Gaza and Palestine: Your smiles give me the hope and the courage to fight for a better world." His win was one of several historic firsts in the 2026 midterms; in the same elections Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
