Saddam Azlan Salim

In today's world, Saddam Azlan Salim occupies a central place in society. Whether due to its impact on popular culture, its relevance in the academic field, its influence in politics or its importance in history, Saddam Azlan Salim is presented as a topic of interest that leaves no one indifferent. Over the years, Saddam Azlan Salim has aroused the interest of researchers, journalists, writers and ordinary people, generating debates, reflections and discussions around its meaning, its evolution and its impact on different aspects of daily life. In this article, we will delve into the most relevant aspects of Saddam Azlan Salim, exploring its origins, its development and its influence on today's society.

Saddam Azlan Salim
Saddam Salim at a 2023 campaign event.
Member of the Virginia Senate
from the 37th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 10, 2024
Preceded byChap Petersen
Personal details
Born (1990-01-01) January 1, 1990 (age 35)
Noakhali, Bangladesh
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Falls Church, Virginia, U.S.
Education
ProfessionFinancial Consultant
Committees
  • Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
  • Courts of Justice
  • Privileges and Elections
  • Rehabilitation and Social Services
Websitehttps://www.salimforsenate.com

Saddam Azlan Salim (born January 1, 1990) is a Bengali-American Democratic politician from Virginia. He was elected to the Virginia Senate in the 2023 Virginia Senate election from the 37th district.[1]

He is a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh.[2] Prior to running for office, Saddam served as the South Asians for America State Co-Director for Virginia with Delegate Kannan Srinivasan.[3]

Early life and education

Saddam was born in Noakhali, Bangladesh and attended Falls Church High School where he was a track and field athlete and president of his class. During his senior year of high school, his mother's health issues required surgery, and given the financial difficulties his family faced he gave up college out of state instead to attend Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University.[1]

While in college, he also went back to serve as assistant coach for track & field at his high school. He graduated from George Mason University in 2012 with Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration in 2015.[4]

Virginia State Senate

2023 primary

Salim announced his candidacy in 2023 against incumbent Democrat Chap Petersen, who represented the 34th District which had been redistricted to the 37th, since 2011.

Peterson faced several controversies, including his support of Confederate statues,[5] defense of the team name of the Washington Redskins, and breaking with party ranks to defeat an assault weapons ban. In 2020, Petersen had also faced criticism for his statements on The John Fredericks Show when discussing Jim Crow laws, when he said "Look, there were some bad decisions made, but at least they had a school system, ok, at least they had a functioning school system".[6]

On June 21, Salim pulled an upset, defeating Petersen 54%-45%.[7]

2023 general election

On November 7, Salim defeated Ken Reid in a 68%-30% victory.[1]

He ahs been considered by the media as a potential candidate to succeed Gerry Connolly in 2026.[8]

Electoral history

Democratic Primary for the 37th Senate District, 2023
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Saddam Salim 10,477 54.1
Democratic Chap Petersen 8,880 45.9
Election to the Virginia State Senate 37th District, 2023
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Saddam Salim 40,947 68.7
Republican Ken Reid 18,427 30.9

References

  1. ^ a b c "Saddam Salim". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  2. ^ Feld, Lowell (2023-01-24). "Democrat Saddam Azlan Salim Announces Primary In New, Deep-Blue 37th State Senate District (Fairfax/Falls Church)". Blue Virginia. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  3. ^ "State Teams". South Asians for America. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  4. ^ "Senate of Virginia". apps.senate.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  5. ^ Olivo, Antonio (October 20, 2020). "Fairfax county to donate Civil War monument to preservation group". The Washington Post.
  6. ^ Feld, Lowell (2020-06-11). "Audio: Sen. Chap Petersen (D?) Goes on Trumpster Radio, Says During "Jim Crow" era, "there were some bad decisions made, but at least they had a functioning school system"". Blue Virginia. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  7. ^ "Fairfax County Democrats oust two established senators, as incumbents prevail in local races". FFXnow. 2023-06-21. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  8. ^ "VA-11: Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) Will not Seek Re-election". April 28, 2025. Retrieved April 28, 2025.