Aber Kawas, a Muslim member of the Democratic Socialists of America party endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and previously criticized for comments in which she referred to the September 11 attacks as something a “couple people did,” secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday for a western Queens state Senate seat.

Kawas, who describes herself as a “Muslim civil right advocate,” defeated Assemblyman Steven Raga (D-Queens) with 60% of the vote as she seeks to succeed retiring state Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Queens). The result came with 95% of precincts reporting.

She has also appeared on event listings as a speaker for CAIR, a Muslim advocacy organization that has ties to Hamas.

Speaking after her victory Wednesday, Kawas celebrated the outcome alongside supporters and fellow progressive candidates.

Kawas has been active in pro-Palestinian political organizing and was seen holding campaign materials at a rally in Queens earlier this month.

Gianaris, who wielded considerable influence in Albany as deputy majority leader and chairman of the Senate Democrats’ campaign committee, endorsed candidates in several other contested primaries but declined to back a successor in his own district.