A convert to Islam is an election victory away from becoming just the second Muslim elected to congress. Andre Carson, a political newcomer, is the Democratic nominee in a March 11th special election to succeed his late grandmother, representing Indiana’s 7th district. If Carson wins the district, he would join Keith Ellison as the only Muslims ever elected to congress in the United States. Carson believes his religious identity does not hurt him politically, even while American Muslims struggle to gain acceptance and validity in political representation. ”I think it’s more of an advantage,” Carson said. ”It’s a platform to address ignorance. It’s a platform to really show that this campaign is about inclusion of all races and religions.
