By Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) successfully defended her House seat for District 13 in Michigan’s Democratic primary against challenger Brenda Jones. Tlaib won 66% of the vote in a landslide victory. She will face Republican David Dudenhoefer in November.
Tlaib made history with Ilhan Omar as one of the first Muslim women to be elected to serve in Congress. She is a member of the “Squad,” a group of progressive freshman Congresswomen of color, which includes Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN).
Tlaib ran on progressive policies, and focused on “protecting her constituents and residents” during the COVID-19 pandemic. When community members from her district were asked why they voted for her, the majority of responses were, “She actually serves us – her constituents. Race and religion doesn’t play a role in doing what’s right for our district. Rashida works hard and she’s no nonsense.”
Also joining the squad is newcomer and last night’s winner, progressive Cori Bush, who won her primary against longtime Representative Lacy Clay (D-MO).