Nida Allam
Illustration by Margarita Babina
Tragedy pushed Nida Allam into politics where she defied all odds by becoming the first Muslim woman to serve in public office in North Carolina. Now, she is aiming even higher. We had to ask her why:
Your morning tunes?
Sunday Best, by Surfaces. I always feel ready for the day after listening to it!
Why do you wish to represent NC-04 in U.S. Congress?
I never thought I would run for elected office, but in 2015, three of my best friends, Yusor, Deah, and Razan, were killed by their neighbor in an Islamophobic hate crime. Weak hate crime laws in NC prevented true accountability for my friends’ deaths. I was moved to run for office to make sure under-represented communities like mine have a seat at the table when it comes to policy-making and leadership. After serving for four years as the Vice Chair of the NC Democratic Party, I was elected Durham County Commissioner and became the first Muslim woman ever elected in the state of NC. As County Commissioner, I was proud to work with Durham City Council member Javiera Caballero to fund an Immigrant and Refugee Services Coordinator position– the first of its kind in North Carolina– to make sure newly arriving immigrants and refugees feel safe and welcomed to our home.
In Congress, I will bring my lived experience to the table and speak out when people’s basic human rights are under attack. In North Carolina, we have seen the GOP keep the minimum wage at $7.25 for over ten years, refuse to expand Medicaid, deny our public employees the right to unionize, and engage in partisan gerrymandering that prevents our minority communities from having our votes fairly counted. We need a progressive champion in Congress who will fight for federal action on these issues. We need to pass Medicare for All to ensure that no one has to go without care because they can’t afford it. We need to raise the minimum wage and pass the PRO Act so all workers can join a union. We also need to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, end partisan gerrymandering, and protect our right to vote. Finally, we are seeing attacks on our rights to make decisions about our own bodies– I will go to Congress and fight for reproductive justice.
How does one maintain a moral compass in politics?
I would argue that having a moral compass and a career in politics aren’t mutually exclusive. I think the greatest leaders our community and country have seen are people who were in touch with their community’s needs and had the audacity to speak out against the injustices around them. As a Congresswoman, I hope to follow in their footsteps. One thing that has been important to me from day one of my political career is my refusal to accept corporate PAC money or donations from fossil fuel lobbyists. We can’t afford to send Democrats to Congress who will be more accountable to wealthy corporations than to their constituents, which is why I am running a 100% grassroots-funded campaign.
You have Indian and Pakistani parents. If these two can get along, why can’t these countries?
The geopolitical issues between India and Pakistan are historical and deep-rooted. At first glance, India and Pakistan’s relationship seems to be dictated by geopolitical issues, wars, and religious prejudice. However, as my parents discovered for themselves, the people of India and Pakistan have much more in common than they are given credit for. The two countries are intertwined by their history, fortune, culture, language, and religion. South Asia is better off with these countries as partners and allies than as adversaries.
TV show you are binging right now?
I can’t stop watching Upload… and of course, the new season of Bridgerton.
Early Voting: Today- 3pm, May 14th.
Primary Election Day: May 17th
Statewide General Election: November 8th
