For the first time in US history, two Muslim women enter Congress
Ilhan Omar, of Somali origin, and Rashida Tlaib, of Palestinian origin. The first time also for the Amerinde: Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland. The victory of the Democrats in the parliament determined by women, young people, Hispanics. Republicans are strengthened in the Senate.
Washington (AsiaNews) - For the first time in the history of the United States, two Muslim women, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, will enter the Congress. The two Democratic candidates won the mid-term elections in the Minnesota and Michigan district respectively.
Ilhan Omar, 36 (photo 1), is of Somali origin having fled to the US from the war in Somalia. She carried out her campaign focusing on health guarantees for everyone and for debt free university studies. She will be the first woman member of Congress to wear the Islamic veil.
Rashida Tlaib, 42 (photo 2), was born in Detroit to Palestinian parents and is the oldest of 14 children. Her campaign has exploited feminist militancy, with demonstrations throughout the country following the election of Donald Trump. Last night, on Twitter she commented on her victory: "We marched outside the Capitol, but now we will do it inside. We are coming!".
Speaking of women, this time there are also two native American women elected to Congress. The first is Sharice Davids, 38, a Kansas Democrat. She is a lawyer, a martial arts enthusiast and a declared lesbian. She had already worked in the administration of President Barack Obama.
Deb Haaland, 57, is a single mother of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, who won in Arizona. In the past she overcame alcoholism and survived on state food vouchers.
The elections led the Democrats to have a majority in the House of Representatives, but the Republicans strengthened their presence in the Senate.
According to a survey on the vote by Reuters / Ispos, the Democrats' victory was fueled by women, young people and Hispanics. Women have declared to vote for Democrats at 55%; 49% in the mid-term elections in 2014. Young people between the ages of 18 and 34 supported the Democrats for 62%; in 2014 they were 54%. The Hispanics for Democrats were 33%; in 2014 they were 18%.
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