India-born Democrat Saba Haider has scripted history in the United States by securing a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. With this electoral success, she has become the first South Asian woman ever elected to the state’s General Assembly. Her victory in the November 3 midterm elections has reverberated across the globe, sparking jubilant celebrations thousands of miles away in Ghaziabad, India, where her mother, Shahnaz Haider, resides.
Reflecting on the milestone, Shahnaz Haider described an atmosphere of high anticipation and eventual triumph. The family remained awake throughout the night, anxiously waiting for the vote counts to be finalized. The long wait concluded around 6:30 am or 7:00 am, when the candidate called home to share the news of her win personally. For the family in Ghaziabad, the victory represents the culmination of two decades of perseverance, dedication, and significant sacrifices made since Saba Haider first moved to the United States.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Shahnaz Haider expressed her immense pride, stating that the win felt like a personal achievement for the entire family. She recounted the emotional moment she received the call, describing how she literally jumped out of her chair upon hearing her daughter announce, “Mummy, I am winner.” The news was quickly shared with Saba’s father and brothers, leading to a joyful family celebration. For Shahnaz, the result validated the years of hard work, as she noted that her daughter’s recognition as the first immigrant woman to reach such a position makes all their efforts feel worthwhile.
The electoral data shows a commanding victory for Haider in the 84th District. She secured 20,756 votes, accounting for 70.9 per cent of the total ballots cast. Her Republican rival, Brian Scopa, finished with 8,520 votes, representing 29.1 per cent of the electorate. The district, which covers various areas including Aurora, Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, and Boulder Hill, spans parts of Will, DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties.
Originally hailing from the Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh, Saba Haider moved to the United States approximately twenty years ago. Her path to the state legislature was paved by years of grassroots involvement. Before this historic win, she served on the DuPage County Board and built a reputation as a community advocate. Throughout her campaign, she consistently emphasized her deep commitment to the community that supported her family during their early years of settling in Illinois.
As she prepares to join the Illinois House of Representatives, Haider’s career transition marks a notable shift from local county advocacy to state-level governance. Her platform centered on local issues and public service, reflecting her background as a dedicated community worker. This victory is viewed as a significant step for South Asian representation in American politics, an achievement that her family in Ghaziabad continues to celebrate with pride.
The successful campaign and the subsequent victory highlight the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in United States electoral politics. By overcoming competition in a diverse constituency, Haider has set a precedent for future candidates from similar backgrounds. The journey from Bulandshahr to the Illinois General Assembly serves as a testament to her extensive work in public advocacy and community service over the past two decades.
Comments