(MENAFN) With the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, Tenk, New Jersey, is preparing for local elections that reflect important shifts in the American political landscape. A report from the "Voice of America" reveals a growing trend of Muslim candidates seeking to increase their representation in politics at both the state and local levels during this election cycle.

In Tenk, two trailblazing Muslim women, Reshma Khan and Nadia Hussain, are on a mission to make history by becoming the first Muslim women elected to office in their town, which has a population of around 41,000, including a significant Muslim community. Despite the increasing diversity within the town, it has yet to see a Muslim woman elected to either the city council or the school board.

Reshma Khan, a 47-year-old activist of Indian descent, is determined to change this narrative through her candidacy for the city council. She remarked, "I realize that this is not just a position, but a huge responsibility as a Muslim," highlighting the weight of her candidacy.

On the other hand, Nadia Hussain, a Trinidadian-American educator, is aiming to become the first Muslim woman elected to the school board in Tenk. Both candidates wear the hijab and consider themselves "working mothers and ordinary citizens striving to make a difference in their communities." Their campaigns reflect a larger national movement toward greater diversity in political representation, emphasizing the critical need for diverse voices in governance.

As the local elections approach, the efforts of Khan and Hussain represent a significant step toward creating a more inclusive political environment in Tenk and beyond. Their ambitions underscore the evolving nature of American politics, which increasingly values diversity and representation in its leadership.

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