India Tribune Newsdesk
Chicago: In the heart of Skokie, Illinois, where the scent of spiced chai blended with animated conversation, a Sunday afternoon gathering on February 8, 2026, became something far more meaningful than a routine meet-and-greet. Hosted at 7 Spices Restaurant by community activist and Lincolnwood resident Iftekhar Shareef, the event brought together South Asian American leaders and residents united in support of Bushra Amiwala’s campaign for U.S. Congress in Illinois’s 9th District. What emerged was a vivid portrait of grassroots energy, community pride, and a shared belief in homegrown leadership.
The timing of the gathering reflected a district at a crossroads. With longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky retiring after decades of progressive leadership, the March 17, 2026 Democratic primary has drawn a crowded field of candidates hoping to define the district’s future. Against this backdrop, Amiwala’s candidacy has struck a particular chord. At 28, she represents a new generation of leadership, but her appeal runs deeper than age alone.
Born in Chicago and raised across the communities she now seeks to represent, from Rogers Park and Skokie to Evanston and Morton Grove, Amiwala is deeply rooted in the 9th District. Her political journey began early. At just 21, she made national headlines as the first Gen Z elected official in the United States after winning a seat on the Skokie School District 73.5 Board of Education. Over seven years of service, she gained hands-on experience navigating budgets, policies, and the day-to-day realities facing working families, always with a focus on equity and access.
Even before that milestone, Amiwala had challenged expectations. At 19, she ran for Cook County Commissioner, finishing second against a long-standing incumbent and earning nearly 14,000 votes. For many in the room at 7 Spices, that race symbolized a turning point for South Asian political participation, proving that candidates from immigrant and Muslim backgrounds could compete and inspire.
Speakers at the event emphasized Amiwala’s authenticity and accessibility. Shareef described her as someone who truly knows the district, its streets, and its people, urging voters not to be distracted by polls or political noise. Lincolnwood resident Ahsan Khaja echoed that sentiment, calling her the community’s daughter and praising her ability to connect across neighborhoods and backgrounds. Veteran activist Ahmed Khan added historical perspective, noting how far the community has come from a time when South Asian candidates were dismissed outright.
When Amiwala addressed the crowd, her message was grounded and direct. Having left her role as a Solutions Consultant at Google to campaign full-time, she framed her run as a fight for working-class families like her own. She spoke about universal healthcare, fair immigration pathways, and strong public schools, stressing that rising costs and shrinking benefits are realities people feel every day.
As attendees posed for photos, shared laughter, and talked strategy, the atmosphere carried a sense of momentum. In a field crowded with seasoned politicians and outside money, Amiwala’s strength lies in lived experience and local trust. The gathering made clear that her campaign is not just about one candidate, but about representation that reflects the district’s evolving diversity. For many in the room, supporting Bushra Amiwala means believing that leadership should grow from the community it serves, and that belief is already shaping the future.
