Making History: Yassamin Ansari Elected to the U.S. Congress
Washington, DC – The votes are in, and history has been made! Yassamin Ansari has won the general election for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, becoming the first Iranian American Democrat elected to U.S. Congress and will be the second Iranian American to serve in the House of Representatives.
Ansari’s victory is not only a milestone for Iranian Americans but also a powerful testament to her dedication to public service and her deep connection with the Phoenix community. Supported by PAAIA’s connected PAC, the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), Ansari’s path from Phoenix Vice Mayor to Congress represents the strength and potential of Iranian American women leading on critical progressive issues.
Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ/3rd)
This historic moment is made even more special with Congresswoman Stephanie Bice’s re-election in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District. Bice, the first Iranian American ever elected to Congress, continues to be a trailblazer on Capitol Hill. The Republican sponsor of the Temporary Family Visitation Act and original cosponsor of the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, Bice has established herself as a respected conservative leader with a strong bipartisan record. Her success, supported by IAPAC, reaffirms the dedication and influence Iranian Americans can have across political lines.
Congresswoman Stephan Bice (R-OK/5th)
With Ansari and Bice now serving together in Congress, we celebrate the incredible progress for Iranian American representation at the federal level. The 119th Congress will see two Iranian American women—across party lines—working tirelessly to elevate our community’s voice, and champion the diverse contributions we bring to the nation. This achievement embodies the commitment of Iranian Americans to civic engagement and the promise of a brighter future led by strong, resilient voices.
As we applaud these historic wins, IAPAC remains committed to supporting Iranian Americans to actively participate in the U.S. democratic process and run for public office. Together, with leaders like Ansari and Bice paving the way, the Iranian American community continues to make an indelible mark on the American political landscape.
IAPAC is the registered bipartisan connected political action committee of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA). IAPAC supports and encourages Iranian Americans to actively participate in the U.S. democratic process and run for public office. Learn more at iranianamericanpac.org.
