Pakistani-American Democrats won eight state legislative races across five states in the Nov. 3 US midterm elections, according to preliminary results. The victories stretched from Pennsylvania and Connecticut to Nevada, Texas and Georgia. Meriam Sabih and Farooq Mughal defeated Republican incumbents, while several other Democrats held their seats. In Florida, Pakistani-American Republican Imtiaz Mohammad lost his bid for a state House seat.
Pennsylvania and Georgia Democrats Unseat Republicans
In Pennsylvania’s House District 131, Sabih defeated Republican incumbent Milou Mackenzie. Sabih drew 16,374 votes, or 51.1%, in the preliminary tally. Mackenzie received 15,650 votes, or 48.9%. The race call came after the count reached 97% of the expected vote. Sabih led by 724 votes at that point. In House District 194, incumbent Democrat Tarik Khan also won.
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In Georgia, Mughal defeated Republican incumbent Sandy Donatucci in House District 105. He took 15,248 votes, or 60.8%, with all 10 precincts reporting. The preliminary tally put Donatucci at 9,851 votes, or 39.2%. The Associated Press called the race for Mughal early on Nov. 4.
Nevada and Connecticut Elect Three Pakistani-Origin Lawmakers
Nevada Democrat Hanadi Nadeem won re-election in Assembly District 34, which includes part of Las Vegas. She secured 12,977 votes, or 62.6%. Republican challenger Brandon Davis received 7,753 votes, or 37.4%. Nadeem was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and grew up in Islamabad.
Connecticut elected two Pakistani-origin Democrats to its state Senate. Maryam Khan won District 2 with 12,855 votes, or 78.9%. Her Republican opponent, Tim Knotts, received 3,448 votes. In District 3, incumbent Democrat Saud Anwar kept his seat with 20,543 votes, or 66.5%. Republican challenger Eliott Hughes drew 10,350 votes.
Texas Incumbents Hold Seats as Florida Republican Loses
Texas Democrats Suleman Lalani and Salman Bhojani won re-election to the state House. Lalani received 44,221 votes, or 66.2%, in District 76. Republican Linda Howell drew 22,602 votes. In District 92, Bhojani took 30,501 votes, or 66.9%. Republican JP Woodruff received 15,064 votes. Both incumbents took roughly two-thirds of the vote in their districts.
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In Florida’s House District 103, Democratic incumbent Robin Bartleman defeated Mohammad. Bartleman received 47,287 votes, or 69.3%. Mohammad secured 20,917 votes, or 30.7%.
The contests were for seats in state legislatures. Six of the eight Democratic wins came in lower chambers, while the two Connecticut victories came in the state Senate. The figures reflect preliminary returns. State authorities must still formally certify the results. Pennsylvania’s Department of State publishes election-night returns and directs voters to county election offices for local results. The vote totals can change as election officials finish counting and verifying ballots.
