Khan sworn in as first Muslim in state House of Representatives
Austin Mirmina, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
Mar. 7—Rep. Maryam Khan was sworn in today to represent the 5th House District, which includes parts of Windsor and Hartford, as she becomes the first Muslim member of the Connecticut House of Representatives.
“I am honored to represent my community and eager to get to work in Hartford,” Khan said in a news release. “My community and the state continue to face unprecedented challenges, but a bright future is on the horizon and I am committed and ready to hit the ground running to face these obstacles head on and move Connecticut forward.”
Last week, Khan, 33, won a special election for the 5th House District seat, easily defeating challengers Charles Jackson and Lawrence Jaggon. Khan filled the seat vacated by former Rep. Brandon McGee, D-Hartford, who resigned to take a position in Gov. Ned Lamont’s re-election campaign.
Khan, who is a Windsor resident, mother of two, and a teacher at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, served for about 4 1/2 years on the Windsor Board of Education, most recently as the board’s vice president. She hopes to offer plans for quality education, funding for community infrastructure, and more inclusionary processes for local decision-making, the news release said.
“I’m excited to welcome Maryam Khan to the Connecticut House of Representatives,” Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said. “As part of the Hartford delegation, I look forward to working with Rep. Khan on important policy initiatives this legislative session.”
House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, Manchester, said that, “As the first Muslim member of the House, Maryam is a role model as we continue to ensure we are an inclusive and representative democracy.
“Rep. Khan is a strong leader in her community, and I am certain she will bring that same passion and experience to the General Assembly,” Rojas said.
Khan will serve as a member of the Aging, Children, and Judiciary Committees, the release said. Constituents can email Khan at [email protected], or call her at the Capitol, (860) 240-8500.
Austin Mirmina covers Manchester and Bolton.
SOURCE: https://news.yahoo.com/khan-sworn-first-muslim-state-030700052.html