Egyptian-American Surgeon Adam Hamawy Wins US House Seat

Egyptian-American Democrat Adam Hamawy has won New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, defeating Republican Gregg Mele in the November 3rd election. The Associated Press projected Hamawy as the winner, making him the first Muslim to represent New Jersey in the United States Congress.

Born in Cairo to Egyptian parents, Hamawy moved to the United States as an infant and later studied at Rutgers University and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He also served in the US military as a combat and reconstructive surgeon before working on humanitarian medical missions abroad.

Hamawy volunteered as a trauma surgeon in Gaza in 2024 and 2025, including through the Palestinian American Medical Association and World Health Organization-linked medical missions. His campaign focused on healthcare reform, affordability and opposition to continued US military support for Israel during its war in Gaza.

Hamawy will succeed retiring Democratic representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who has represented the district since 2015.