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Indianapolis Democrat Is First Muslim State Lawmaker In Indiana History

@Fady4Indiana/Twitter

Fady Qaddoura is one of the newest Hoosier state senators and the first Muslim American to serve as a state lawmaker in Indiana history. 

Qaddoura said he’s proud to be Indiana’s first Muslim state lawmaker. But he’s also aware of the heavy responsibility it comes with.

“Especially for our young generation, to feel that and know that when you want to make change in your community, in your city, in your state, it is possible – even if your name is Fady, even if you’re a Muslim, even if you’re an immigrant,” Qaddoura said.

READ MORE: How Do I Follow Indiana’s Legislative Session? Here’s Your Guide To Demystify The Process

He also said it’s fair to ask why it took so long for someone like him to reach the Statehouse.

“When it comes to Black and Brown communities, when it comes to immigrants, when it comes to my siblings in the LGBTQ+ community, when it comes to many in our community that feel like they have not been represented, I think we have a long way to go,” Qaddoura said.

Qaddoura said he’ll bring all his perspectives to his service as a lawmaker, working with both parties to help improve health care access and education.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.