Emgage PAC Welcomes Committee to Ensure Muslim American Representation in Biden Administration

July 28, 2020

Emgage PAC Welcomes Committee to Ensure Muslim American Representation in Biden Administration

Washington, D.C.- Today, Emgage PAC welcomes the “Muslim American Executive Selection Committee,” a screening committee to identify, evaluate and endorse highly qualified Muslim American candidates for a potential Biden administration.  This independent committee coordinated by Emgage PAC, will be led by Dr. Sultan Chaudhry and co-chaired by Fayrouz Saad and Jameel Aalim-Johnson. Committee members will also include Brenda Abdelall, Rahat Husain, Omar Karim, Johari Malik, Saafir Rabb, Salima Suswell, and Amira Valliani.

Despite having made significant contributions in almost every aspect of American life including healthcare, education, business, civil rights, government and politics, sports, entertainment, and media, Muslims continue to be underrepresented in all aspects of the American policy making process.

This letter comes shortly after Biden’s presence at Emgage Action’s Million Muslim Votes Summit, during which he addressed Muslim American communities and sought to earn their vote during the 2020 presidential elections.

Interested candidates may submit their applications here. The deadline to apply for first round consideration is August 17, 2020. Applications received after then will be reviewed in the order they are received.

See our NBC Universal coverage of this initiative here.

To contact the committee directly please email SelectCommittee@emgageaction.org.

For media and other inquiries please contact Amara Majeed amajeed@emgageaction.org.

“I commend Emgage PAC for launching an effort to identify Muslim Americans to serve in government. It is crucial for our government at all levels to reflect the diversity of America, and Muslims are essential and have the talent to serve.” – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

“Diversity in government is paramount. We need a government that looks like America. This effort to identify talented Muslim Americans to serve our nation is an important part of this. And I fully support Emgage PAC in this effort.” – Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi

“Muslims represent one of the world’s largest religions, numbering more than 2 billion. It is the fastest growing religion in the United States and is a part of the fabric of this country and indeed the world. From descendants of African Americans whose families have been here for generations to immigrants who have just arrived with the hope of enhancing our economy, culture and way of life, we represent a significant portion of the rich cultural tapestry of American society.

President Biden’s administration must reflect the diversity of America and any such reflection would be incomplete and perhaps even distorted if it did not include Muslim Americans. This is particularly important given the xenophobia, Islamophobia and uninhibited bigotry of the current administration. A Biden administration which includes Muslims will restore America’s standing in the world and increase relations in our country.” Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street

“Emgage PAC is pleased to welcome the creation of a independent search committee seeking to remedy this by recommending highly qualified Muslim American candidates for senior-level government positions that can influence the well-being of the country.” – Wa’el Alzayat, CEO of Emgage PAC

Emgage PAC is the first and largest Muslim American federal political action committee. It is a bipartisan, national political action committee that supports state and federal candidates based on their support for civil rights, minority rights, and a diverse America. The committee has endorsed and financially supported candidates across the country that espouse such values. Further, the committee produces a variety of voter-education products, including candidate profiles and endorsement cards, in the service of educating and engaging local communities in voting processes. In 2018, Emgage PAC helped elect 138 candidates to local, state, and national office. Emgage PAC has national headquarters in Washington, D.C., with five state chapters (Florida, Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania), and  affiliate partners in California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, and Ohio.