Ruwa Romman: Paving the Way for Georgia’s First Muslim Woman in the State House

In a political landscape often dominated by familiar narratives, a fresh voice is emerging in Georgia. Ruwa Romman, a first-time candidate, is making waves in a significantly Democratic district, poised to make history as the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. Her campaign embodies the changing face of American politics, bringing a blend of informed policy expertise and a deep understanding of community needs to the forefront.

Ruwa Romman, though new to the electoral arena, is far from a stranger to the intricacies of public service and advocacy. At 29 years old, this accomplished public policy expert and organizer has dedicated years to collaborating with local governments, tirelessly working to address and resolve critical issues facing the Peach State’s diverse communities. Now, she aims to elevate her extensive expertise and hands-on experience to the state capital, seeking a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives to champion progressive change for her constituents.

The Growing Influence of State Legislatures: A Critical Battlefield for Policy

The role of state legislatures in shaping the daily lives of Americans has become more pronounced than ever before. These legislative bodies increasingly serve as pivotal battlegrounds and, often, testing grounds for new and sometimes controversial policies, particularly those originating from the far-right factions of the Republican party. This dynamic is acutely evident in Georgia, a state that has seen its congressmembers approve a series of highly restrictive measures. These include draconian voting restrictions that have drawn national scrutiny and a near-total ban on abortion, controversially encompassing language related to fetal personhood. These state-level decisions have profound impacts, influencing everything from individual freedoms to the foundational principles of democracy within the state.

“Think about all those laws that made you really, really angry,” Ruwa Romman shared with HollywoodLife in an exclusive interview conducted prior to the Nov. 2022 midterm elections. Her statement underscores a fundamental truth about American governance: “All of that started in a state legislature somewhere.” This perspective highlights her deep understanding of how state-level policy decisions directly translate into tangible impacts on citizens’ rights and daily experiences. It is this realization that fuels her commitment to bringing progressive, pragmatic solutions to Georgia’s legislative body.

Championing Change in Georgia’s 97th House District

Driven by an unwavering desire to confront critical issues head-on, Ruwa Romman is now campaigning to represent Georgia’s 97th House District. This vibrant district, strategically located in western Gwinnett County, northeast of Atlanta, is a cornerstone of Georgia’s evolving demographic and political landscape. Should she be victorious, Romman’s election would be groundbreaking, establishing her as the first Muslim woman to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives. The district’s political leanings further bolster her prospects: Gwinnett County decisively voted for President Biden by an impressive 18 points in the 2020 election, as reported by Politico. This strong Democratic base makes Ruwa’s projected win not just likely, but a testament to the community’s desire for progressive representation.

Gwinnett County, much like the broader United States, grapples with a complex array of challenges, reflecting a national tapestry of diverse issues. “Anything and everything you’ve heard of, we’ve seen it in our district,” Ruwa explained to HL, eloquently describing her community as a “perfect” mirror of the nation’s rich diversity. She sees Gwinnett as a microcosm, where various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds converge, each facing unique yet often interconnected struggles.

“[We’re] a perfect microcosm of what we’re seeing around the country,” she elaborated. “It’s racially diverse, socio-economically diverse. We will knock on doors at homes with values in the seven figures, and then on apartments where the stairs are literally falling apart, but voters face a lot of the same issues.” This stark contrast, where extreme wealth coexists with profound hardship, illustrates the urgent need for equitable policies that address housing insecurity, access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and robust infrastructure, irrespective of one’s zip code or income bracket.

A Vision for Georgia: Policy Stances and Personal Convictions

Detail-driven and profoundly compassionate, with an almost encyclopedic command of Georgia public policy, Ruwa Romman — a self-professed Taylor Swift enthusiast — meticulously outlined her campaign priorities in her interview with HL. Her platform spans a wide spectrum of issues critical to the well-being and prosperity of her district. She engaged in extensive discussions on reforming education boards, advocating for fair property taxes, and exploring the potential benefits of legalizing cannabis, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to legislative responsibilities.

A graduate of Georgetown University, Romman also thoughtfully addressed how her faith profoundly informs her stance on deeply personal issues such as abortion rights. Echoing the theological perspectives found in Judaism, Islam does not assert that life unequivocally begins at conception. Romman’s position prioritizes the health, autonomy, and well-being of the woman, a principle she eloquently articulated by likening stringent pro-life beliefs to “cutting down the tree to save a branch.” This analogy powerfully conveys her view that sacrificing a woman’s fundamental health and rights for a fetus represents a misguided and ultimately destructive policy. Her approach is rooted in a nuanced understanding that balances religious teachings with practical, compassionate healthcare solutions, ensuring that women have the agency to make critical decisions about their own bodies and futures.

Romman candidly recalled the pain she felt when, following the leak of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in May 2022, some fellow Democrats began to describe the U.S. as an “American caliphate.” This comparison, she shared with HL, was particularly distressing. “I couldn’t believe I was dealing with all of that Islamophobia while simultaneously having to fight as a woman for my reproductive rights,” she lamented. This experience underscores the multifaceted challenges Romman navigates as a Muslim woman in politics, combating prejudice from various ideological fronts even as she champions fundamental rights.

Confronting Extremism and Building a Progressive Future

The campaign trail, as Romman knows, often brings bigotry from unexpected directions, but also from clear opponents. As she geared up for the November 8, 2022, elections, she faced off against a staunch “MAGA Republican” opponent, John Chan. Chan, a businessman, openly boasts about his complete lack of political and public policy experience, framing it as an asset. His political affiliations, however, have been notably inconsistent; he presents himself as a “moderate” in public appearances while simultaneously marketing shirts that boldly proclaim “MAGA America first Republican” through his personal website. Ruwa Romman was unequivocal in her assessment of his candidacy: “He’s just too extreme for my district, period.” This clear stance reflects her commitment to representing the moderate to progressive values prevalent in Georgia’s 97th District, contrasting sharply with what she perceives as her opponent’s divisive and radical positions.

Ruwa Romman’s candidacy is not only defined by her compelling policy positions and deep community roots but also by a stellar resume and an impressive roster of endorsements from influential progressive organizations. Her campaign has garnered significant support from groups dedicated to empowering women and advancing human rights. These include Her Bold Move, which champions women in politics; Run For Something, an organization focused on recruiting and supporting young, diverse progressive candidates; the Human Rights Campaign, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ equality; and Emily’s List, which is dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women. Furthermore, her platform has resonated with Stacey Abrams’ renowned voting rights organization, Fair Fight, and the Progressive Turnout Project, which focuses on grassroots voter engagement. These endorsements collectively underscore the broad appeal and progressive strength of Ruwa Romman’s campaign, signaling her readiness to tackle critical issues and effectively represent the diverse voices of her district.

Join the Movement: Support Ruwa Romman and Participate in Democracy

Ruwa Romman’s campaign represents a significant step forward for representation and progressive governance in Georgia. Her unique background as a public policy expert, organizer, and a Muslim woman positions her to bring a fresh, informed, and compassionate perspective to the state legislature. As Gwinnett County continues to grow and diversify, Romman’s commitment to tackling issues from property taxes to education, and her nuanced stance on reproductive rights, reflect the evolving needs and values of her community.

For individuals eager to learn more about Ruwa Romman and her pivotal race for Georgia’s 97th House District, extensive information is readily available. You can delve into her platform, policy proposals, and community engagement efforts by visiting her official website. Additionally, stay connected and follow her campaign’s journey through her active presence on social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. These channels offer regular updates, insights into her campaigning efforts, and opportunities for direct engagement with her vision for Georgia.

Participation in the democratic process is paramount, and ensuring your voice is heard begins with voter registration. You can easily find comprehensive information regarding voter registration, polling place locations, and ballot submission procedures at Vote.gov. Remember, exercising your right to vote is crucial in shaping the future of your community and state. Make sure to visit your local polling place or mail in your ballot by the deadline of November 8, 2022, to support Ruwa Romman and the progressive change she seeks to bring to the Georgia House.