Democrat Adam Hamawy has won New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, defeating Republican Gregg Mele to become the first Muslim from the state elected to the United States Congress, according to election projections.
Hamawy, a plastic surgeon, retired US Army combat doctor and humanitarian medical worker, will succeed Democratic Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is retiring after a decade in the House of Representatives.
His victory comes after a campaign centred on healthcare, US military assistance to Israel, immigration enforcement and economic concerns. Hamawy’s election also marks a political breakthrough for a candidate whose humanitarian work in Gaza brought him national attention.
From Military Doctor to Humanitarian Worker
Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, Hamawy, 56, served as a US Army combat physician during the Iraq War before pursuing humanitarian medical work.
He later participated in medical missions in Bosnia, Sudan, Lebanon and Syria, working in conflict affected communities.
In 2024, Hamawy travelled to southern Gaza on a humanitarian medical mission during Israel’s war on the Palestinian territory. His experience there became a turning point in his decision to enter politics.
Hamawy gained national attention after becoming one of a group of physicians trapped in Gaza when Israel closed the Rafah border crossing in 2024.
US Senator Tammy Duckworth intervened to help secure his exit. Hamawy had previously saved Duckworth’s life after her helicopter was shot down in Iraq in 2004.
Gaza Experience Shapes Political Campaign
Hamawy’s experience in Gaza became central to his political identity and campaign.
An outspoken critic of US support for Israel’s military operations, he called for an end to American military assistance to Israel and made the issue a major part of his platform.
He also campaigned on universal Medicare, cancelling medical and student loan debt, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Hamawy won a crowded Democratic primary earlier this year, emerging as a first-time political candidate with a strong focus on healthcare, human rights and foreign policy.
Following his primary victory, he told supporters, “We made it clear you never need to ask for permission to fight for justice.”
Succeeds Bonnie Watson Coleman
Hamawy will take over New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District from Watson Coleman, an influential progressive Democrat who is stepping down after 10 years in Congress.
Watson Coleman won re-election in 2024 by a margin of 25 percentage points, reflecting the district’s strong Democratic support.
Hamawy’s victory allows Democrats to retain the seat, with Decision Desk HQ projecting his win over Mele, an attorney.
His election adds another Muslim representative to Congress and makes him the first Muslim member of the US House from New Jersey, according to projections.
