Rashida Tlaib Endorses CAIR Leader with Terror Ties for WA Legislature

Endorsement of Imraan Siddiqi raises concerns over his and Tlaib's records on Israel, antisemitism, and associations with extremist groups

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:32am

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Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has endorsed Imraan Siddiqi, the executive director of the Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), in his bid for a Washington state legislative seat. This endorsement is raising concerns given both Tlaib and Siddiqi's histories of inflammatory rhetoric, antisemitism, and ties to organizations linked to terrorist groups.

Why it matters

Tlaib's endorsement of Siddiqi, who has a record of supporting Hamas and making anti-Israel statements, is seen as controversial and potentially damaging to the Democratic party. CAIR, the organization Siddiqi leads in Washington, has long faced scrutiny over alleged ties to terrorist groups. This race has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the Democratic party's approach to Israel and its handling of antisemitism within its ranks.

The details

Siddiqi, who previously ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024, has accused Israel of 'genocide' and labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a 'war criminal.' He has also pushed for tech companies to divest from what he calls support for Israel's military operations. Following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds kidnapped, Siddiqi lashed out at fellow Democrats who condemned the massacre, telling them to 'STFU.' Siddiqi's CAIR-WA chapter also did not condemn the attacks and instead promoted rallies that drew sympathy toward Hamas-aligned causes.

  • In 2024, Siddiqi ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Washington's 8th District.
  • On October 7, 2026, Hamas carried out a terrorist attack that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds kidnapped.
  • Siddiqi is currently running for a seat in the Washington state legislature, with Tlaib's endorsement.

The players

Rashida Tlaib

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 13th congressional district and a leading member of the far-left 'Squad.'

Imraan Siddiqi

The executive director of the Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), who is running for a seat in the Washington state legislature.

Lauren Davis

The incumbent Democratic member of the Washington state legislature in the 32nd district, whom Siddiqi is seeking to unseat.

Kim Schrier

The Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 8th congressional district, who Siddiqi unsuccessfully challenged in 2024.

Nihad Awad

The executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), who sparked widespread condemnation after stating he was 'happy' to see the October 7 Hamas attacks.

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What they’re saying

“Proud to have the endorsement of my sister Rashida Tlaib, one of the true, uncompromising champions of our time.”

— Imraan Siddiqi, Candidate for Washington state legislature

“Love, love this.”

— Darya Farivar, Washington state representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This endorsement highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic party over Israel, antisemitism, and the party's approach to dealing with extremist elements. Voters will have to weigh whether a candidate with Siddiqi's record, who is backed by one of the most controversial members of Congress, should represent them in the state legislature.