The 2026 US Midterm Elections have delivered a major political breakthrough for candidates who openly supported Palestinian rights and challenged America’s military support for Israel.
Several outspoken pro-Palestinian candidates have won congressional seats, while prominent critics of US policy towards Israel have secured re-election.
But the most interesting part of this election may be the numbers. They reveal how strongly Gaza influenced the voting decisions of American Muslim voters.
WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY?
A nationwide exit survey released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), based on 522 Muslim voters, revealed some striking findings:
- 80% said the war in Gaza was a major influence on their vote.
- 76% named Gaza and Palestinian human rights among their most important election issues.
- 80% said they primarily voted for Democratic candidates.
- 80% also said the economy was a major influence on their vote.
- 76% said the US-Israel war on Iran was a major influence on their voting decisions.
- 70% said rising Islamophobia motivated them to vote.
Even before Election Day, another CAIR survey found that 89% of Muslim respondents considered a candidate’s position on Gaza extremely or very important to their vote.
These figures suggest that Gaza was not just a foreign policy issue for many Muslim voters. It was a major factor in deciding whom to support.
HERE ARE THE BIG WINNERS
🇺🇸 Abdul El-Sayed – Michigan: Made history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. He has described Israel’s war in Gaza as genocide and opposed US military support for Israel.
🇺🇸 Troy Jackson – Maine: Defeated longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins. He has accused Israel of genocide and called for an end to US military assistance.
🇺🇸 Adam Hamawy – New Jersey: An Egyptian-American surgeon and former US Army doctor who volunteered in Gaza, treating wounded Palestinians. He won a seat in the House.
🇺🇸 Darializa Avila Chevalier – New York: A former Columbia University Gaza solidarity encampment activist who won the 13th Congressional District.
🇺🇸 Claire Valdez – New York: A progressive politician and critic of Israeli policies who won the 7th Congressional District.
🇺🇸 Brad Lander – New York: Won the 10th Congressional District. He has described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide and supports a two-state solution.
🇺🇸 Melat Kiros – Colorado: Won the 1st Congressional District, becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress from Colorado.
🇺🇸 Donavan McKinney – Michigan: Won the 13th Congressional District and supports legislation restricting certain US weapons sales to Israel.
🇺🇸 Christopher Rabb – Pennsylvania: A progressive lawmaker who has criticised Israeli policies and won the 3rd Congressional District.
🇺🇸 Frederick D. Haynes III – Texas: A pastor and civil rights advocate who has spoken out against genocide, including in Gaza.
🇺🇸 Analilia Mejia – New Jersey: Won a full term in the 11th Congressional District after previously winning the seat in a special election.
PROMINENT VOICES RETURN TO CONGRESS
Several well-known lawmakers who have criticised US support for Israel also won re-election:
- Rashida Tlaib – Michigan
- Ilhan Omar – Minnesota
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – New York
- Summer Lee – Pennsylvania
- Delia Ramirez – Illinois
- Ayanna Pressley – Massachusetts
- Pramila Jayapal – Washington
- Andre Carson – Indiana
ANOTHER HISTORIC VICTORY
Palestinian-American organiser Aber Kawas won a New York State Senate seat, becoming the first Palestinian-American woman elected to the state’s legislature.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Democrats have regained control of both chambers of Congress, giving them greater power to challenge President Donald Trump’s policies.
The growing number of lawmakers critical of US support for Israel could put more pressure on Washington over military aid, arms transfers and its position on Gaza.
However, the survey covered Muslim voters, not the entire American electorate. The election was also shaped by economic concerns, the Iran war and domestic political issues.
So, did Gaza become a decisive force in America’s 2026 elections? Or are we witnessing the rise of a new political voice that Washington can no longer ignore?
