Candidate Makes History, Becoming First Iranian American Elected to a State Legislature

Candidate Makes History, Becoming First Iranian American Elected to a State Legislature
 

November 6, 2012, Seattle, WA– Bellevue Democrat, Cyrus Habib, claimed victory in Tuesday’s election for the 48^th Legislative District of Washington state’s House of Representatives. Habib wasendorsed and supported by the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA. He will become the first American of Iranian heritage to serve in a state legislature and will be the highest ranking Iranian American in elected office.

According to the website of Washington Secretary of State, Habib brought in 60.5% of the votes, while his opponent, Redmond City Council member Hank Myers, earned 39.5% percent of the votes.

“I am touched and honored to have received IAPAC’s endorsement of my candidacy for Washington State Representative,” said Habib to PAAIA. “The support I received from Iranian Americans throughout the country was truly humbling. I praise IAPAC and PAAIA for their work in supporting Iranian American engagement in public life.”

Habib grew up in Bellevue, Washington, and is a proud product of its public schools. Having lost his eyesight at age 8 to a rare form of childhood cancer, he learned early the importance of equal opportunity, hard work, and a quality education. After winning a Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford, Habib attended Yale Law School, where he served as editor of the law review. He returned to Washington following his graduation, and works at the Seattle-based law firm of Perkins Coie.

The official Democratic Party nominee for the 48^th Legislative District of Washington State, Habib’s campaign was supported by a bipartisan list of local, regional, state and federal leaders, including U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

In a ringing endorsement, the Seattle Times, the largest daily newspaper in Washington state, called Cyrus the best choice for the open seat formerly held by State Representative Deb Eddy.

PAAIA congratulates Cyrus Habib on his historic election to the Washington State House of Representatives.

Click here to learn more about State Representative-Elect Cyrus Habib.

IAPAC supports and promotes the election of candidates for federal, state, and local office, regardless of party affiliation, who are attuned to the domestic needs of the of the Iranian American community. IAPAC also encourage Iranian Americans to actively participate in the American electoral process and supports Iranian American candidates for public office.