: In Bush’s Backyard, An American Muslim Wins Houston Election

Given the dismal post 9/11 record of Muslims running for political office in America, it’s not surprising that skepticism surrounded M. J. Khan’s decision to run for Houston City Council. But this candidate was different, showing dogged perserverance in securing one endorsement after another, and taking on issues important to the district in which he lives. “I never thought of myself as some sort of statement-maker,” said Khan, a Houston resident for over 20 years. “I always thought of myself as a Houstonian.” But on election night, Khan beat the son of a former Houston mayor to become the first Muslim elected to Houston’s City Council, joining a short but growing list of Muslims winning local and state elections. The election comes not long after a local mosque was vandalized, showing the lengths Khan had to go to secure the trust of the voters and reach beyond his natural Muslim constituency. “If anybody is supporting me just because I’m a Muslim,” said Khan, “I would consider that as a disrespect for myself because I bring a whole lot more to the table.” While most of Khan’s votes didn’t come from the Muslim community, much of his support network did. “Muslims do not feel alienated,” said demographic researcher Mohamed Nimer. “They actually feel more urgency to become more involved in the public square, and their political activism is increasing.” As Khan readies himself for his new duties, he is keenly aware of the burden he is carrying. “No matter how much I don’t emphasize it, people do see me as the first Muslim elected to City Hall,” he said. “If, God forbid, I falter, (criticism) may not just be limited to M.J. Khan the councilman.”

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.