The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today extended its heartfelt congratulations to Lateefah Simon, who has been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding outgoing Congressmember Barbara Lee in California’s 12th Congressional District. Simon’s election makes her the fourth current Muslim member of Congress—and the first Muslim elected from California—adding another vital voice for diversity and representation on Capitol Hill.
Representative-elect Simon’s extensive background in civil rights advocacy and social justice equips her to continue the legacy of service and leadership established by Congressmember Lee. Her history of championing marginalized communities and her transformative approach to public service will make her a powerful advocate for equity and justice in Congress.
Simon’s work spans more than two decades of impactful leadership on issues such as economic justice, criminal justice reform, and public safety, all of which have equipped her to advocate for policy changes addressing the systemic inequalities impacting Californians. As a young executive director at the Center for Young Women’s Development, she led programs that supported justice-involved youth, grounding her in a commitment to supporting disenfranchised communities and advancing solutions for ending mass incarceration.
As the former President of the Akonadi Foundation, Simon led initiatives to dismantle structural racism—experience that will be invaluable as she addresses racial and economic disparities at a national level.
Simon’s win not only marks a historic milestone for Muslim representation but also provides a strong platform to advocate for issues affecting communities across California and the nation.
In a statement, CAIR San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“The election of Lateefah Simon is a powerful testament to our community’s growing role in shaping our nation’s future. She brings a unique perspective rooted in justice, resilience, and commitment to equity—values that are needed now more than ever.
“CAIR-CA is immensely proud of Representative-elect Simon and the community that supports her. We look forward to the transformative changes she will bring for her constituents, American Muslims, and all communities striving for a more inclusive and just society.”
We extend our sincere gratitude to Congressmember Barbara Lee for her decades of principled leadership and commitment to justice. Her courageous stand against the Iraq War, as the only member of Congress to vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, exemplified her conviction and willingness to speak out against injustice, even when unpopular. Throughout her career, Congressmember Lee has championed progressive values, advocating for economic justice, healthcare, and racial equality. We thank her for her years of service and the profound impact she has had on our communities and our nation.
