Palestinian-American politician Ruwa Romman focuses on next steps after Democratic convention rejection

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Ruwa Romman, a 31-year-old Palestinian-American politician from Georgia, planned to share her family's story at the Democratic National Convention in August 2024 but was not given the opportunity to speak. Despite this, Romman has gained attention for her advocacy work and is now focusing on her re-election campaign and encouraging civic engagement in her community.

Romman’s grandparents were displaced during the 1948 Nakba, a significant event in Palestinian history. She intended to share their story of displacement at the convention. Romman represents a growing number of Arab-American voters who support the Democratic Party but express concerns about its stance on issues related to Israel, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Although she was nominated by the Uncommitted National Movement to speak on behalf of the Palestinian experience, Romman delivered her speech outside the convention, addressing the human impact of the war in Gaza. In her speech, she shared personal stories and called for action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.

Romman, born in Jordan, moved to Georgia at age seven and faced challenges growing up in a predominantly conservative area. She experienced discrimination but remained focused on educating her peers about her culture and values. In 2022, she became the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives, representing House District 97.

Her political career has been shaped by her community service, including her involvement in the Georgia Muslim Voter Project and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Romman’s advocacy gained attention during the 2017 travel ban, when she helped Arabic-speaking travelers navigate the situation. This experience contributed to her decision to run for office.

In 2022, Romman won her seat in the Georgia State House by a narrow margin. She is known for using social media platforms, including TikTok, to engage with voters and address political disenfranchisement. Romman encourages voters to remain active in the political process, regardless of their district’s representation, and stresses the importance of participating in local elections.

Romman’s political platform includes a focus on education, healthcare, and reproductive rights. However, her stance on the Gaza conflict has also drawn attention. She advocates for an end to U.S. military support for Israel in the ongoing conflict and continues to promote Palestinian rights.

As she prepares for her re-election campaign in November, Romman remains dedicated to addressing local issues while also engaging in broader political discussions. Despite the challenges she has encountered, she is committed to her advocacy work and encourages others to remain involved in the political process.