On May 3, 2025, Dallas County voters participated in local elections to select city council members, decide on bond propositions, and shape the future of their communities. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with voting centers reporting steady turnout. The election drew particular attention to the performance and visibility of Muslim candidates, reflecting the county’s increasing diversity and the broader push for representation in North Texas politics.
Incumbents Hold, New Faces Emerge
According to unofficial results from the Dallas County Elections Office, Dallas City Council incumbents largely fended off challengers, maintaining their seats in most districts. In several districts, open seats led to competitive races and runoffs, especially in areas south of the Trinity River. New leadership is expected to address long-standing representation and public service issues.
Bond propositions and other local measures also passed, with voters approving infrastructure, public safety, and community projects funding. These results underscore the community’s priorities and the ongoing investment in Dallas’s growth.
Muslim Candidates
Muslim candidates continued to make their mark in Dallas County, building on recent historic gains in Texas politics. While no Muslim candidate won a Dallas City Council seat in this cycle, their participation and growing visibility reflect a broader civic engagement and ambition trend within the Muslim community.
In neighboring Richardson, which includes parts of Dallas County, Arefin Shamsul ran for City Council Place 6, continuing a tradition of Muslim candidates seeking office in the region. The city’s ballot also included Amir Omar, a former council member and mayoral candidate, highlighting the sustained efforts of Muslim Americans to serve in local government. Although final tallies were pending at press time, the presence of these candidates signals progress and sets the stage for future contests.
“Not only should Muslims be present in these areas, they should be leading the way. And that’s not because it’s good political strategy or public relations, but because it’s scriptural imperative,” said Dr. Omar Suleiman, a prominent Dallas faith leader and president of the Yaqeen Institute, in a reflection on Muslim civic activism.
Dallas County’s Muslim Community
Dallas is home to an estimated 30,000 Muslims, supported by fifteen mosques and Islamic centers, making it one of the largest Muslim communities in Texas. The county’s Muslim population has grown steadily, mirroring statewide trends that have seen Texas’s Muslim community surpass 400,000 in recent years. This growth has translated into increased political participation, with more Muslim candidates running for office and more voters engaging in the democratic process.
The city’s Muslim residents are active in interfaith initiatives, civic organizations, and advocacy groups, contributing to Dallas’s reputation as a religious and cultural diversity hub. This engagement impacts electoral politics, community development, and public service.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these advances, Muslim candidates in Dallas County continue to face challenges, including limited representation on city councils and school boards. Community leaders and observers note that while progress has been made, more work remains to ensure Dallas County's diversity is reflected in its elected leadership.
Voter turnout among Muslims in Texas has historically lagged behind other groups, though recent cycles have seen improvement as local organizations and faith leaders encourage participation. National and international events, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have also influenced voter sentiment, with some Muslim voters expressing dissatisfaction with both major parties and considering third-party options.
“Muslims are being encouraged by local Muslim organisations and political figures to step out and vote,” The News reported, reflecting efforts to boost civic engagement in the community.
Statewide and National Context
Dallas County’s election results come amid historic gains for Muslim candidates in Texas and the United States. In 2022, Texas voters elected two Muslim immigrants, Dr. Suleman Lalani in Fort Bend County and Salman Bhojani in Tarrant County, to the state legislature for the first time. Their victories have inspired more Muslim Texans to pursue public office and have contributed to a growing sense of political empowerment.
Nationally, the number of Muslim elected officials continues to rise, with 82 Muslims elected to federal, state, local, and judicial offices across the United States in the 2022 midterms. This surge is part of a broader movement for representation and inclusion, as communities seek leaders who reflect their values and experiences.
Community Voices
Dallas’s Muslim leaders emphasize the importance of civic engagement, coalition-building, and interfaith dialogue in advancing representation and addressing community concerns. Dr. Omar Suleiman, a respected faith leader and scholar, advocates for active participation in public life as a religious and civic duty.
“I believe in amplifying the beautiful solutions from our religion to confront the ugly realities of the climate around us. The Deen is rich and beautiful. The Seerah is an incredible guide to everything in life,” Dr. Suleiman wrote, underscoring the connection between faith and public service.
Key Takeaways and Future Prospects
Dallas County’s May 3, 2025, election reaffirmed the community’s commitment to civic participation and highlighted the growing presence of Muslim candidates.
While no Muslim candidate secured a city council seat this cycle, their campaigns and increased visibility signal progress and lay the groundwork for future success.
The county’s Muslim population continues to grow, contributing to Dallas’s diversity and shaping the region’s political landscape.
Community leaders and organizations are working to boost voter turnout and encourage more Muslim residents to seek public office.
The momentum for Muslim representation in Dallas County and Texas is strong, with recent historic gains and ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive democracy.
As Dallas County evolves, the role of Muslim candidates and voters will become increasingly significant in shaping the region’s governance and public life. The subsequent election cycles may see even greater breakthroughs for the county’s Muslim community, reflecting the broader American story of diversity, resilience, and civic engagement.
Impact Hub's role in bringing awareness
A significant factor in raising awareness and mobilizing voters during this election cycle was the concerted effort by local civic organizations such as Impact Hub. Through targeted initiatives and community forums, Impact Hub played a pivotal role in educating Muslim voters about the importance of participation and the tangible impact their votes could have on local governance.
As Akheel Mohammed from Impact Hub explained,
“Our community can have a say, and our voices can be heard. We will develop many initiatives to achieve this, but it's an important first step toward this journey.”
By collaborating with mosques, establishing civic engagement committees, and organizing outreach events, Impact Hub helped ensure that the Muslim community was better informed and more actively involved in the electoral process, contributing to the broader push for representation and civic engagement across Dallas and Collin County.