6 Key States and Numerous Local Elections Crucial for American Muslims

California

Republican Rep. Darrell Issa is being challenged by ret. Col. Doug Applegate. California’s 49th congressional district includes southern Orange County and northern San Diego County. The Cook Political Report has designated the race, “a toss-up.” Previously, Issa urged President Obama to use the term, “Islamic terrorism” as well as endorsing Trump in a press statement. The competitiveness of this race is indicative of the changing demographics and voter registration efforts in Orange County and San Diego County. This is one of many seats that will determine if the House will remain red or turn blue.

Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA’s 46th district) and CA Attorney General Kamala Harris are running to succeed the retiring Barbara Boxer in the U.S. Senate. Boxer has served in the senate since 1993. In a 2015 interview, Sanchez said that “between five and 20 percent” of Muslims support the establishment of a strict Islamic caliphate and will resort to terrorism if needed. Meanwhile, Harris has connected the rise of Islamophobia with the increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes. This will be the first time that no Republican will be on the ballot for Californians to pick as their next U.S. Senator.

Proposition 63, the 2016 gun control initiative, would require background checks to purchase ammunition in California, ban large capacity magazine for automatic weapons and include a new court process to remove guns from those convicted of certain crimes. After the San Bernardino attacks, the Legislature enacted gun control measures that Prop. 63 is also calling for. However, it’s important to note that voters pass propositions and only voters can change them so they are more permanent. The NRA and other gun rights groups oppose Prop. 63 because they believe it infringes on the Second Amendment. However, if Prop. 63 is rejected, most of it will still be law. – Ryan Ahari, MPAC.

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