CAIR Action Illinois Celebrates Historic Election Wins: 19 Endorsed Candidates Victorious Across Illinois
(Chicago, IL, April 3, 2025) – CAIR Action Illinois proudly announces that 19 of our endorsed and supported candidates won their races in the April 1 Consolidated Elections-marking a historic moment for Muslim civic power and community-driven leadership across the state.
These victories reflect our shared commitment to equity, inclusive governance, and confronting both local and global injustices. From school boards to mayoral offices, our endorsed candidates stood for justice-and our communities showed up to support them.
From Orland Park to Northbrook, and Aurora to Champaign, our movement made history.
Keith Larson, Aurora Alderman at Large-elect stated:
“People from all backgrounds came together to make this possible, and I want to thank CAIR Action Illinois for helping to engage Muslim voters in Aurora whose voices have not been heard. CAIR Action Illinois was the first of a few Muslim organizations to reach out to support me and I appreciate the support so much.”
Our 19 Winners:
- Fatima Ahmed – Champaign Unit 4 School Board
- Mohammed Hussain – Morton Grove Library Trustee
- Nour Akhras – Morton Grove School Board, District 219
- Saba Khan – Morton Grove Village Trustee
- Mazhar Khan – Niles Township Trustee
- Hamzah Mirza – Northbrook Park District Commissioner
- Lena Matariyeh – Orland Township Trustee
- Aisha Zayyad – Orland Park School Board, District 135
- Dina Lawrence – Orland Park Village Trustee
- Rasha Atallah – Palos Hills School Board, District 117
- Mark Kelly – Palos Park School Board, District 230
- Raees Yawer – Streamwood Park District Commissioner
- Mohammad Siddiqi – Glendale Heights Village Trustee (District 2)
- Shahaab Uddin – Lombard Village Trustee
- Ashfaq Syed – Naperville City Council
- John Laesch – Mayor, City of Aurora
- Keith Larson – Aurora Alderman at Large
- Krystle Able – Normal Township Supervisor
- Youssef Boudjarane – Peoria School Board, District 323
How We Did It:
- Hosted candidate forums and voter education
- Conducted phone and text banking
- Provided shuttles to the polls
- Mobilized canvassers, interns and volunteers across Illinois
Next Steps:
- Attend Local Meetings: Share your perspectives at board and council sessions to keep leaders accountable.
- Connect with Elected Officials: Reach out to your representatives; they need your feedback to serve effectively.
- Support Future Candidates: Volunteer, donate, or spread the word about up-and- coming leaders in your area.
CAIR Action Illinois is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and
voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Shadin Maali, Senior Advisor, CAIR Action, [email protected]
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
