The resolution specifically raises awareness about the millions of American Muslim, who as a community, have contributed to the nation by serving "in the Armed Forces of the United States for generations," and as "scientists," "inventors," "athletes," "entrepreneurs," "Members of Congress," "Ambassadors of the United States," "business owners, firefighters, police officers, physicians, laborers, service workers, and teachers."
In July the City of Santa Clara has recognized the month of August as "Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month" through a proclamation.
Record number of Muslim Americans make bids for elected office
Despite all odds, around 90 Muslim Americans had launched campaigns for national or statewide offices this election cycle, a number that Muslim groups and political observers say is unprecedented in the post-9/11 era.
Many, however, have faced anti-Muslim backlash. From Congress to state legislatures and school boards, Muslim Americans spurred to action by the anti-Muslim policies and rhetoric of President Trump and his supporters are running for elected offices in numbers not seen since 9/11, say Muslim groups and political observers.
But recent primaries have whittled the field down to around 50, a number that still far exceeds the dozen or so that ran in 2016, Shaun Kennedy, co-founder of Jetpac, a Massachusetts nonprofit that helps train Muslim American candidates, told the Associated Press.
Among the candidates to fall short were California physician Asif Mahmood, who placed third in June's primary for state insurance commissioner, despite raising more than $1 million.
And in Texas, wealthy businessman Tahir Javed finished a distant second in his Democratic primary for Congress, despite an endorsement from Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Nine candidates for Congress are still in t he running, according to Jetpac's tally. At least 18 others are campaigning for state legislature and 10 more seek major statewide and local offices, such as governor, mayor, and city council. Even more are running for more modest offices like local planning board and school committee.
At present there are two Muslims in the House of Representatives, Keith Ellison and Andre' D. Carson. Both are members of the Democratic Party.
Andre' D. Carson is the U.S. Representative for Indiana's 7th congressional district since 2008. Rep. Andre Carson easily defeated three Democratic challengers to win his party's nomination in central Indiana's 7th District last May.
Keith Maurice Ellison was elected from Minnesota's 5th congressional district in 2007. Ellison was the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress. He is also the first African American to have been elected to the U.S. House from Minnesota. Keith Ellison is not contesting for the House of Representatives. He is now a candidate for Minnesota Attorney General.
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