In a notable development in the US midterm elections, Adam Hamawy, a Democratic candidate of Egyptian origin, has won the 12th congressional district seat in New Jersey, defeating his Republican opponent, Greg Milli. Hamawy will succeed Democratic Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who chose not to run for re-election. He is set to begin his term in January 2027. Hamawy's victory holds particular significance for the Egyptian and Arab communities in the US, given his Egyptian background and career combining medicine, military service, and humanitarian work in conflict zones.
Adam Hamawy is a 57-year-old American doctor and surgeon of Egyptian descent. His family moved to the US when he was seven months old and settled in New Jersey. He studied biology at Rutgers University in New Jersey and later attended the university's medical school, specializing in surgery and eventually plastic and reconstructive surgery. Hamawy's medical career has not been limited to civilian work; he served in the New Jersey National Guard and the US Army as a military surgeon, specializing in war injuries.
During his military service, Hamawy participated in the Iraq War, providing surgical care to wounded soldiers. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from military service in 2011. One of the notable points in his career was his involvement in treating current US Senator Tammy Duckworth, who was injured during her military service in Iraq in 2004. Hamawy has also been involved in volunteer medical missions in various conflict and disaster zones worldwide, including Bosnia, Haiti, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Palestine.
In 2024 and 2025, Hamawy participated in medical missions to the Gaza Strip, working to treat injured and ill individuals under challenging humanitarian and medical conditions. His actions in Gaza drew media attention after he refused to leave the area until all his team members, including those without US citizenship, were guaranteed safe passage. In addition to his medical work and military service, Hamawy founded his private medical practice in Princeton, New Jersey, in 2013 and earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University in 2018.
Hamawy ran for election in 2026 as the Democratic representative for New Jersey's 12th congressional district. He secured the Democratic nomination and went on to win the general election on November 3, 2026, defeating Republican candidate Greg Milli. This victory marks Hamawy's transition from a career in medicine, military service, and humanitarian work to legislative work in the US Congress, representing New Jersey's 12th congressional district.
Adam Hamawy's background and career have garnered attention from various media outlets and have made him a notable figure in US politics. His election to Congress is seen as a significant milestone for the Egyptian-American community. As he prepares to take office, Hamawy is expected to bring his unique blend of medical, military, and humanitarian experience to the legislative body.
With his election, Adam Hamawy becomes part of a new generation of leaders in the US Congress. His story serves as an inspiration to many, particularly those of Egyptian and Arab descent, who see him as a role model for success and public service. As Hamawy begins his term in Congress, he will be working on various issues, including healthcare, national security, and international relations.
Key points
- Adam Hamawy is the first Egyptian-American to be elected to the US Congress.
- Hamawy's victory marks a significant milestone for the Egyptian-American community in the US.
- Adam Hamawy's background in medicine, military service, and humanitarian work brings a unique perspective to the US Congress.
