The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) is waging a quiet but coordinated political campaign across Washington State, from Seattle’s mayoral race and spreading outward to city councils and legislative seats. Behind the endorsements lies a group with a deeply controversial history of terror ties, extremist rhetoric, and alliances with figures hostile to Israel and Jewish communities.
Behind the Branding: CAIR’s Extremist Ties and Controversial Leadership
While CAIR continues to present itself as “the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights organization,” its origins and leadership have long been shadowed by connections to terrorism:
- Federal prosecutors named CAIR an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation case, the largest terror-financing trial in U.S. history. The foundation was found guilty of funneling millions of dollars to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
- The FBI cut off formal ties with CAIR in 2008 after evidence linked its founders to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood’s U.S. network.
- CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad has repeatedly made extremist statements. In November 2023, just weeks after Hamas’s October 7 terrorist massacre in Israel, Awad said he was “happy to see people breaking the siege” — referring to Hamas’s invasion that killed over 1,200 people, including mass rapes, kidnappings of 250 civilians (including Americans), and the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. His remarks, framing the attack as “resistance,” drew bipartisan condemnation from lawmakers and Jewish groups for glorifying terrorism. Following the remarks, the Biden administration quietly dumped CAIR from its antisemitism task force.
CAIR Gala Honors Extremist Figures
CAIR’s 31st anniversary gala in Washington, D.C., last week, doubled down on its radical affiliations. The group presented its 2025 “Champion of Justice Award” to Mahmoud Khalil, a longtime Hamas-linked activist from Columbia University. Khalil organized anti-Israel rallies, led the takeover of Hamilton Hall (trapping custodial staff), distributed Hamas materials, and was later detained by immigration officials. A federal judge recently ordered his deportation.
The gala’s VIP roster read like a who’s who of anti-Israel activism:
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) — repeatedly accused of antisemitism, including her infamous “all about the Benjamins” comment.
- Linda Sarsour — activist ousted from the Women’s March over antisemitism.
- Cenk Uygur — progressive pundit with a history of antisemitic remarks.
- Badr Khan Suri — Georgetown researcher detained by DHS for allegedly spreading Hamas propaganda and maintaining close ties to a Hamas advisor.
CAIR also honored Khalil’s wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, and his legal team, as well as attorneys who represented Rumeysa Ozturk — a BDS activist celebrated by CAIR — and Suri. DHS has accused Suri of promoting Hamas propaganda and antisemitism while on a U.S. student visa.
Seattle: CAIR Backs Mayoral Candidate, Consolidates Power on City Council
The 2025 Seattle mayoral race has become CAIR Action’s most high-profile political play. The group endorsed Katie Wilson and celebrated her advancement to the general election, praising her “bold vision for justice, affordability, and a thriving city for all.” Wilson’s platform mirrors CAIR’s activist priorities on housing, immigration, and policing, making her a natural ally in Seattle’s shifting political landscape.
On the Seattle City Council, CAIR Action proudly endorsed Alexis Mercedes Rinck, celebrating her re-election as a victory for “people-powered” campaigns that “uplift justice, housing, and human dignity.” Rinck is closely aligned with Seattle’s progressive bloc and has supported policies on homelessness and public safety that overlap with CAIR’s agenda.
Taken together, these endorsements represent a strategic power grab by CAIR in Seattle — securing influence at the city’s top political offices.
Expanding Reach: Renton, Tacoma, and Suburban Hubs
CAIR’s political influence is not confined to Seattle. This cycle, the group endorsed a slate of candidates across Renton and Tacoma, signaling a deliberate push into suburban cities:
- Carmen Rivera, Renton City Council Position 2 — celebrated for winning her primary and praised for “leadership” and “vision.”
- Michael Westgaard, Renton City Council Position 1 — backed for “community-driven leadership.”
- Zev Cook, Tacoma City Council Position 5 — promoted for his “dedication to equity, inclusion, and a stronger Tacoma.”
Renton and Tacoma are strategically important: both are growing, politically active suburban communities where Seattle-style activist politics increasingly shape local governance.
Olympia: Legislative Allies Cement Statewide Clout
CAIR Action’s endorsements extend into the state legislature, where it has aligned with progressive incumbents and rising figures:
- Sen. Tina Orwall (33rd District) — endorsed for her stance on mental health justice and immigrant protections.
- Sen. Vandana Slatter (48th District) — praised as a “public health expert and community builder.”
- Sen. Emily Alvarado (34th District) — described as a “champion for housing justice, equity, and inclusive leadership.”
- Rep. Osman Salahuddin — celebrated as a “rising leader” committed to racial justice and economic equity.
These endorsements show CAIR’s growing influence in Olympia policymaking circles, especially on issues like housing, immigration, and policing oversight.
Political Strategy Meets Extremist Legacy
CAIR Action’s Washington endorsements are not random. They reveal a calculated strategy:
- Embed allies in Seattle’s mayor’s office and council.
- Build municipal networks in Renton, Tacoma, and the suburbs.
- Cultivate legislative power in Olympia.
- Leverage a friendly activist media ecosystem that rarely scrutinizes its history.
Behind the soft language of “equity” and “justice,” CAIR is building real political infrastructure in Washington State, while its national leadership continues to glorify Hamas “resistance” and honor figures tied to extremist movements.