Page 20 - The Indian EYE 022026

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 20

Community Leaders Rally Behind

Bushra Amiwala in Historic Bid to Join a New

Generation of Leaders in Congress

OUR BUREAU “homegrown fighter” her campaign recalling how underdog candidates for All to ensure universal healthcare
proudly proclaims. As the first Gen have surprised expectations before. access; clear pathways to citizenship
Chicago, IL
Z elected official in the United States, Ahsan Khaja, a Lincolnwood amid visa challenges faced by South
n the heart of Skokie, Illinois, Amiwala made history in 2019 when, resident and former candidate for Asian professionals and students; and
where the aroma of spiced chai at just 21, she won a seat on the Skok- Trustee, echoed this sentiment, calling increased federal funding for public
Imingles with the buzz of passion- ie School District 73.5 Board of Edu- Amiwala “our community’s daughter.” schools to break the link between zip
ate conversation, a vibrant gathering cation. She has served with distinction He highlighted her journey through codes and educational quality.
unfolded on February 8, 2026, at 7 for seven years, tackling budgets, ordi- diverse schools in the district from In a district grappling with ris-
Spices Restaurant. What could have nances, and community needs with a struggling ones to top performers and ing groceries, rents, and benefit cuts,
been just another Sunday afternoon focus on equity and accessibility. her tireless outreach. “She’s very in- Amiwala’s message cuts through: “All
turned into a powerful display of com- Before stepping into the congres- telligent and very down to earth. She of that is at stake.” She stands as the
munity solidarity, as respected South sional race full-time, Amiwala worked reaches out to everybody in the com- only lifelong resident in a field that
Asian American leaders and residents as a Solutions Consultant at Google munity. Everybody loves her,” Khaja includes mayors, state legislators,
came together to champion Bushra for five years while pursuing her MBA noted, encouraging early voting to and newcomers some backed by sig-
Amiwala’s campaign for U.S. Con- at Northwestern University’s Kellogg build unstoppable momentum. nificant out-of-state funding or spe-
gress in Illinois’s 9th District. School of Management. Yet her sto- Ahmed Khan, a lifelong 9th Dis- cial interests. Her campaign website,
Hosted by social activist and Lin- ry begins much earlier. At 19, she ran trict resident and longtime commu- BushraforCongress.com, details these
colnwood resident Iftekhar Shareef, for Cook County Commissioner in the nity activist, brought historical per- policies and invites volunteers, donors,
the community meet-and-greet drew 13th District, finishing a strong second spective. Having run for office himself and prayers from supporters.
an enthusiastic crowd eager to hear against a long-time incumbent and years ago when South Asian candi- In a primary flooded with over a
directly from the candidate and her earning nearly 14,000 votes a remark- dacies were dismissed as improbable, dozen Democratic candidates, Ami-
supporters. The event captured the able feat for a young, hijab-wearing, Khan celebrated the evolution: today, wala’s appeal lies in her authenticity:
spirit of a district in transition: one Muslim woman entering the arena at a diverse candidates across faiths and a trailblazing young woman who has
shaped by decades of progressive time when many doubted South Asians backgrounds are stepping up. He already delivered results locally, un-
leadership under retiring U.S. Rep. could compete in electoral politics. praised Amiwala’s unique blend of derstands the immigrant experience
Jan Schakowsky, now facing a crowd- That early momentum has only experience of nonprofit work, corpo- firsthand, and refuses to let distant
ed Democratic primary on March 17, grown. Supporters like Iftekhar Sha- rate expertise, elected service, and a interests drown out community voices.
2026, with multiple contenders vying reef, an active voice in Chicago’s platform addressing real crises such As South Asian Americans and broad-
to carry the torch forward. South Asian community, emphasized as affordability, immigration reform, er Asian communities rally, this meet-
Bushra Amiwala, a 28-year-old Amiwala’s authenticity during the and public education funding. and-greet signaled more than support
daughter of South Asian immigrants, event. “She is from the communi- Amiwala herself addressed the it marked a movement for represen-
stands out not just for her youth but ty...grown up here, she knows every crowd with poise and purpose. Leav- tation that reflects the district’s evolv-
for her deep roots and proven record. neighbor, every street,” Shareef said, ing her role at Google to campaign ing diversity. With polls opening soon
Born in Chicago and raised in the very contrasting her lifelong residency with full-time, she framed her run as a and early voting underway, the call is
communities she seeks to represent candidates from outside the district or fight for working-class families like clear: come out, vote early if possible,
from Rogers Park to Skokie, Evan- those with established power but little her own, where government provid- and help send a homegrown leader to
ston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, local progress. He urged voters not to ed a “hand up, not handout.” Her Washington who fights for everyone.
Niles, and beyond she embodies the be swayed by polls or media narratives, priorities resonate deeply: Medicare --Asian Media USA

www.TheIndianEYE.com