“This isn’t about me. It’s about you. I’m not going to Congress. We’re going to Congress,” said Carson.
SEE: “Candidate Wins Late Grandmother’s Seat” (Associated Press)
The election of the Indiana Democrat as the nation’s second Muslim member of Congress is a milestone for American pluralism. A 33-year-old who won his first election last year to the City-County Council, Carson called this win an “extremely humbling experience.” Carson said his campaign had benefited from volunteers who crossed all age, racial, religious and social backgrounds.
“At a time when anti-Muslim rhetoric is rising to disturbing levels, the election of Carson is proof of our nation’s commitment to diversity and justice for all,” said MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati. “The increasing interaction of Muslim communities with elected officials and candidates is a positive step in solving public policy issues.”
Carson will finish the 10 months remaining in his grandmother’s term, while also running against Democratic contenders in a May primary to determine who runs in November for the next full two-year term