Madinah Wilson-Anton facts for kids

Madinah Wilson-Anton, born in 1993, is an American politician. She serves in the Delaware House of Representatives. This is like being a state lawmaker for district 26. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Madinah made history as the first practicing Muslim elected to the Delaware General Assembly. This is the state's law-making group. She won her seat in 2020. She first won against John Viola in a primary election. Then she won the main election.

About Madinah Wilson-Anton

Her Early Life and School

Madinah Wilson-Anton grew up in Newark, Delaware. She went to the Charter School of Wilmington. After that, she studied at the University of Delaware. In 2017, she was a student when the Biden Institute started at the university. She said that the work of Joe Biden inspired her. She planned to work in government after finishing her studies. In 2020, she earned a special degree called a Master of Public Policy from the same university.

Her Work Before Becoming a Lawmaker

Before becoming a state representative, Madinah Wilson-Anton worked for other lawmakers. She was a legislative aide. This means she helped two members of the Delaware legislature. They were Earl Jaques and John Viola.

She also spoke up when some lawmakers showed disrespect during an Islamic prayer. She was disappointed by their actions.

Her Time in the Delaware House of Representatives

Running for Office in 2020

When Madinah Wilson-Anton ran for office in 2020, her main goals were about important topics. She focused on improving education, making housing more affordable, and improving health care. She also supported a state-level plan called the Green New Deal. This plan aims to protect the environment and create jobs.

Her campaign was supported by the Working Families Party. When she announced she was running, news reporters noted something special. If she won, she would be the first practicing Muslim to serve in Delaware's state legislature.

She won the primary election against John Viola. He had been the representative for 22 years. Madinah won by a very small number of votes, just 43 votes. Because her district usually votes for Democrats, she won the main election easily in November 2020. This made her the first practicing Muslim elected to Delaware's state legislature.

In 2020, other states also elected their first Muslim lawmakers. These included Iman Jodeh in Colorado, Christopher Benjamin in Florida, Mauree Turner in Oklahoma, and Samba Baldeh in Wisconsin.

What She Has Done as a Lawmaker

One of Madinah Wilson-Anton's first actions as a lawmaker was to propose a bill. This bill expanded public school policies for religious holidays. It included holidays for minority faiths, like Eid al-Fitr.

She also spoke out with State Senator Sarah McBride. They asked another lawmaker, Gerald Brady, to resign. This was after he made comments that were considered racist in an email.

Madinah Wilson-Anton has also called for a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza war. In December 2023, she interrupted a speech by Vice President Kamala Harris. She held up a sign that said "ceasefire." She also asked why a cease-fire was not being called for.

She has also criticized how the speaker, Melissa Minor-Brown, handled the long absence of another lawmaker, Stell Parker Selby. Ms. Parker Selby missed the entire legislative session in June 2025 due to a major stroke. Madinah Wilson-Anton suggested that House Democrats were trying to hide Ms. Parker Selby's health condition. She also called for Ms. Parker Selby to resign her seat.

How She Won Elections

2020 Election Results

Here are the results from the elections Madinah Wilson-Anton won in 2020: