Madinah Wilson-Anton facts for kids

Madinah Wilson-Anton, born in 1993, is an American politician. She serves in the Delaware House of Representatives, representing District 26. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Madinah Wilson-Anton made history as the first practicing Muslim person elected to the Delaware General Assembly. She won her seat in 2020, first by winning the Democratic primary against John Viola, and then by winning the main election.

Early Life and Education

Madinah Wilson-Anton grew up in Newark, Delaware. She went to the Charter School of Wilmington for high school. After that, she attended the University of Delaware.

In 2017, while she was a graduate student, she was quoted by CBSN. This was when the Biden Institute was started at the University of Delaware. Madinah Wilson-Anton said that the work of Joe Biden had inspired her. She planned to work in government after she finished her studies. In 2020, she earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Delaware.

Political Career

Before becoming a representative, Madinah Wilson-Anton worked as a legislative aide. She helped two members of the Delaware legislature. These were Earl Jaques from the 27th district and John Viola from the 26th district.

In 2019, she spoke out against comments made by her former boss, Earl Jaques. He later apologized for his remarks. As a Legislature Fellow, she also shared her disappointment when two lawmakers protested an Islamic prayer.

Serving in the Delaware House of Representatives

2020 Election Campaign

Madinah Wilson-Anton's campaign in 2020 focused on important issues. These included education, housing, and health care. She also supported a state-level plan called the Green New Deal. The Working Families Party supported her campaign.

When she announced her plan to run, reporters noted something special. If she won, she would be the first practicing Muslim to serve in the Delaware legislature. She won the primary election against John Viola, who had been in office for 22 years. She won by a small number of votes, just 43.

Because her district usually votes for Democrats, Madinah Wilson-Anton won the general election easily in November. This made her the first practicing Muslim elected to Delaware's state legislature. In 2020, four other states also elected their first Muslim lawmakers. These were Iman Jodeh in Colorado, Christopher Benjamin in Florida, Mauree Turner in Oklahoma, and Samba Baldeh in Wisconsin.

Time in Office

Madinah Wilson-Anton's first bill was about public school holidays. It aimed to include holidays for minority faiths, like Eid al-Fitr.

She also joined State Senator Sarah McBride in asking another representative, Gerald Brady, to step down. This was after he made unacceptable comments in an email.

Madinah Wilson-Anton has also called for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas war. In December 2023, she interrupted a speech by Vice President Kamala Harris. She held up a sign that said "ceasefire" and asked for an end to the conflict.

Election Results

2020 Elections

In the 2020 Democratic Primary for the Delaware House of Representatives District 26, Madinah Wilson-Anton won with 1,276 votes (42.68%). The incumbent, John Viola, received 1,233 votes (41.24%). Gabriel Olawale Adelagunja received 481 votes (16.09%).

In the 2020 General Election for the Delaware House of Representatives District 26, Madinah Wilson-Anton won with 6,930 votes (71.57%). Her opponent, Timothy Conrad, received 2,753 votes (28.43%).