Bushra Amiwala, a Pakistani-American running for the US Congress from Illinois’ 9th District, is hot on the campaign trail, building a diverse coalition to increase her chances of getting to Capitol Hill.
According to a press release from Asian Media USA, Amiwala hosted a fundraiser at Khan B.B.Q Restaurant in Little India on Devon Avenue, June 26, 2025. The fundraiser was attended by community leaders, supporters, and activists. Amiwala displayed the coalition she has built that could propel her to the US Capitol.
On her campaign website bushraforcongress.com, Amiwala describes herself as “an innovative problem solver” who has made history “as the first Gen Z elected official in the United States.” She put herself through college getting an MBA from Kellogg Northwestern’s School of Management, and a B.S in Information Systems and a double minor in Community Service Studies and Public Policy Studies from DePaul University.
In 2019, she was elected to the Skokie School District 73.5 Board of Education, and re-elected in 2023. According to Amiwala, her decision to run for Congress was “because the rich are getting richer, the middle class is shrinking, special interest groups are plaguing our elections, there are humanitarian crises worldwide: and our taxpayer dollars are paying for it.”
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Her District 9, she says, “deserves someone homegrown, and willing to advocate for all of the people who make up the district, not just a select few.”
According to the Asian Media USA press release, attendees were diverse, a reflection of the District —58% White (including an estimated 11% Arab Americans), 15% Asian, 14% Hispanic, 9% Black, and 4% other; and sponsorship tiers ranged from Bronze ($200) to Platinum ($2,000+).
Sohan Joshi, Director of the Alliance of Indians in America and North American College, gave a speech endorsing Amiwala, saying, “Bushra Amiwala is the new generation of leadership we need—active, intelligent, and ready to represent us in Washington. It’s our job to ensure she wins, and our support will send her to Congress to fight for us.”
Zakiuddin Mohammad, Vice Chancellor of North American College and a director at the Alliance of Indians in America, echoed Joshi’s enthusiasm. “We’re here to raise funds and build a movement for Bushra,” Mohammad said. “Her campaign for District 9 is about uplifting every voice in this diverse community. With the support of Khan B.B.Q and our dedicated team, we’re confident she’ll make a difference.”
Sufyan Feroze, who drove from Naperville with his wife Neha Shagufta, described Amiwala’s race as historic. “Bushra is the youngest Muslim congressional candidate for District 9, and I believe in her vision,” Feroze said. “I urge everyone to show up, donate generously, and join this movement. She’s here to make a difference, not just history.”
Amiwala addressed the gathering with a message of unity and action. “Assalamu alaikum, peace be upon you all,” she began. “I’ve served this community for seven years, from education to nonprofit work, and now I’m running to represent Illinois’s 9th District in Congress. We’re facing a national crisis, and I’m committed to fighting for healthcare over medical bankruptcies, education over student debt, and housing over homelessness. I refuse to be bought in this election—my priority is the everyday voices of this district.”
Among Amiwala’s recognitions over her career, are being recognized as Glamour Magazine’s College Woman of the Year, Seventeen Magazine’s Voice of the Year, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. She is also an International Peace Ambassador Award recipient from the United Nations, the Asian Media USA press release said.