Safiya Wazir with her daughter while canvassing for support ahead of the Democratic primary for a seat in the New Hampshire legislature. September 1, 2018.
A 27-year-old Afghan refugee has ousted a four-term incumbent in the Democratic primary for a seat in the New Hampshire legislature.
The Concord Monitor reports that Safiya Wazir beat District 17 State Representative Dick Patten, who argued her refugee background would hurt her campaign. But Wazir pulled out Tuesday's primary victory by highlighting her years of community activism and dedication to education and family issues.
Last night in Concord NH, 27-year-old Afghan refugee and mother Safiya Wazir defeated a longtime incumbent to become the Dem nominee for state rep. If she wins in November, she’ll be the first refugee to serve in public office in NH, per @ActualCAndrews. https://t.co/slwkhhp1yR
— Ella Nilsen (@ella_nilsen) September 12, 2018
If Wazir beats Republican Dennis Soucy in November, she'd become the first refugee in the state to hold public office, according to Secretary of State Bill Gardner. Wazir's family fled Afghanistan in 2007 as the Taliban consolidated power. She arrived in Concord that same year.
Wazir says she would focus on Medicaid expansion and enacting paid family leave in New Hampshire.
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