Palestinian-American State Delegate Eyes Historic Congressional Bid Amid National Redistricting Battle
Sam Rasoul, a 44-year-old Palestinian-American Virginia state delegate, announced he is exploring a congressional run in 2026, potentially becoming only the second Palestinian American to serve in Congress alongside Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, according to The National. The announcement comes as Virginia prepares for a likely redistricting effort that could reshape the state's political landscape before the midterm elections, with Rasoul centering his campaign on universal healthcare, environmental reform, and ending U.S. military aid to Israel.
Experienced Lawmaker Launches Exploratory Committee
Rasoul has represented the District of Roanoke in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2014, winning every re-election cycle since his first victory. In a fundraising email announcing his exploratory committee on December 9, Rasoul stated that “Virginians are looking for bold, experienced, progressive leadership that meets this moment and delivers results by guaranteeing healthcare as a human right through Medicare for All, protecting our access to clean air and water through a Green New Deal, and ending all military aid to Israel, which has waged a genocide in Gaza using our taxpayer dollars in violation of American law,” according to Jewish Insider.
The Virginia state delegate told The National that “people are anxious for a different type of politics,” adding that “if you show up and listen, people respond”. Rasoul emphasized his motivation to oppose President Trump’s policies while advancing progressive priorities.
Virginia Redistricting Could Reshape Political Map
Virginia’s General Assembly will decide in January 2026 whether to approve a redistricting effort, which would then require approval through a statewide ballot referendum. The New York Times reported in October that Virginia Democrats plan to redraw their congressional maps, making the state the second, after California, to announce such a process that could benefit Democrats before the 2026 midterms.
According to Democracy Docket, Democrats could gain between 2 and 3 additional House seats through redistricting. VPM News reported that the process would require a state constitutional amendment, necessitating two consecutive votes by the General Assembly, with an election between them, before voters can ratify or reject the measure.
“We’re in a holding pattern. But once the voters decide on redistricting, we’ll have a clearer picture of what comes next.”
— Sam Rasoul, Virginia State Delegate
Backlash From Democratic Establishment
Rasoul’s candidacy has sparked controversy within his own party. Jewish Insider reported that four Jewish Community Relations Councils in Virginia issued a statement accusing Rasoul of “using rhetoric that fuels antisemitism.” However, the statement did not mention his potential congressional run. The organizations called for Rasoul to resign from the Education Committee.
This summer, after Rasoul criticized Zionism in a social media post, some backlash came from within the Democratic Party. Speaking to The National, Rasoul acknowledged the criticism: “I think being Palestinian or Palestinian American, it’s almost like you’re born with that target on your back. I’ve been clear … about me believing that our tax dollars shouldn’t go to funding a genocide in Gaza”.
Representing Diverse Commonwealth
Virginia is home to an estimated 300,000 Arab Americans and approximately 200,000 Muslims, according to The National. However, that diversity is concentrated in northern Virginia rather than in Roanoke, Rasoul’s voter base in southwest Virginia.
When Rasoul was first elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates in 2014, he was the legislature’s only Muslim member. Today, he is one of three Muslim delegates serving in the Virginia statehouse.
His full name is Salam, which is Arabic for “peace,” while his surname Rasoul means “messenger”. He told The National that he became “Sam” shortly after starting school in Ohio because the American pronunciation of his full name sounded too similar to “Saddam.”
Trump’s Nationwide Redistricting Push Creates Electoral Uncertainty
Rasoul’s congressional bid unfolds against the backdrop of President Trump’s unprecedented mid-decade redistricting campaign. NPR reported that Trump initiated a redistricting effort to maintain Republican control of the House in the 2026 elections, with projections suggesting the effort could shift 12 to 14 seats in Republicans’ favor, while Democrats might gain around 9 seats.
The Supreme Court ruled last week in favor of Texas Republican lawmakers, allowing the implementation of a new congressional map despite a lower court ruling that found racial gerrymandering, according to NPR. This decision gives the GOP a strategic advantage entering the 2026 cycle, with the new Texas map potentially providing Republicans with five additional congressional seats.
Al Jazeera reported that the new Texas map, backed by Trump, has sparked similar partisan redistricting efforts across the United States. However, Indiana lawmakers dealt a blow to Trump’s redistricting push in December by rejecting a plan to create two more Republican congressional seats, according to Axios.
Pro-Peace Faction Gains Momentum
Rasoul aligns himself with what he calls a growing “pro-peace faction” within the Democratic Party. “The grassroots overwhelmingly want a different approach,” he told The National.
Drawing on his professional experience in non-profit healthcare, Rasoul has focused his campaign on lowering healthcare costs, stating that previous Democratic presidents have compromised on the issue and kept private insurance companies at an advantage. He has also called for ending all U.S. military aid to Israel, saying American tax dollars are better spent elsewhere.
The congressman would enter national politics at a moment when progressive candidates supporting Palestinian rights have seen electoral success. Al Jazeera reported in June that Zohran Mamdani, a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights, won New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who enjoyed greater institutional backing. Progressive advocates expressed hope that Mamdani’s victory signals that leftist policies and advocacy for Palestinian rights can resonate with voters.