Barring tragedy, conversion, or an upset of monumental proportions in November, Keith Ellison will become the first Muslim Member of Congress next January.
Democrats in Minnesota’s strongly Democratic 5th Congressional District put history into motion by nominating state Rep. Keith Ellison in Tuesday’s primary — all but guaranteeing that he will become the first Muslim ever elected to Congress. Ellison’s virtually certain victory in November also would make him the first African-American to represent Minnesota in the 110th Congress, and one of a small handful of black lawmakers who represent districts with sizable white majorities. The 5th, which includes all of Minneapolis and much of its suburbs, has a population that is about 70 percent non-Hispanic white.
The winner of the November election will succeed retiring Democratic Rep. Martin Olav Sabo, who never had a close race over his 14-term career. Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry took 71 percent of the 5th District vote in 2004.
It’s especially interesting that this took place in Minneapolis than Dearborn, Michigan or another city with a large Muslim population.
