Aber Kawas Elected to New York State Senate

عبير قواس.. أول فلسطينية محجبة في مجلس شيوخ نيويورك
Photo via Echoroukonline

Aber Kawas won a seat in the New York State Senate on 4 November 2026, securing victory in the 12th District of Queens. The election results confirm the transition of the legislative seat to the new representative. During a victory address to supporters, Aber Kawas celebrated the electoral milestone. "We made history," Aber Kawas said. The New York State Senate district encompasses parts of the borough of Queens. This electoral victory marks the formal entry of Aber Kawas into the state legislative body, representing the 12th District in Queens.

Campaign Platform and Support

New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America provided formal support to the campaign of Aber Kawas. These political endorsements aligned with a platform centered on four primary pillars: healthcare, housing, transportation, and immigrant rights. The candidate advocated for policy changes within these sectors throughout the election cycle in the 12th District of Queens. The campaign focused on these specific policy areas to address the needs of constituents within the district. Supporters of the campaign, including New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America, emphasized these four pillars as central to the legislative agenda proposed by Aber Kawas. By prioritizing healthcare, housing, transportation, and immigrant rights, the campaign sought to provide a clear legislative roadmap for the 12th District in Queens.

Personal background formed a significant element of the narrative presented during the race. Aber Kawas experienced the impact of displacement through family history, as relatives were forced to leave their homes for Jordan in 1948. The family later moved to the United States, establishing a residence that eventually led to the candidate's entry into local politics. This personal history of displacement to Jordan in 1948 and the subsequent relocation to the United States served as a foundational element of the candidate's public narrative. The transition from this family history to the current political role notes the path taken by Aber Kawas to reach the New York State Senate.

Preliminary election results indicate a decisive outcome for the candidate. Aber Kawas secured approximately 75% of the vote according to the tallies recorded after most ballots were counted. This figure represents the standing of the campaign in the 12th District of Queens as of 4 November 2026. The margin of victory, confirmed by the 75% of the vote secured by Aber Kawas, reflects the final tally of the electoral process. These preliminary results, finalized after most ballots were counted, demonstrate the support received by the campaign within the 12th District in Queens. As the representative for the 12th District in Queens, Aber Kawas is now positioned to implement the platform centered on healthcare, housing, transportation, and immigrant rights in the New York State Senate.