Senator Saddam Salim Contact information

Early Life and Education Saddam Azlan Salim was born in Noakhali, Bangladesh, on January 1, 1990. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, and he grew up in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County, Virginia. Salim attended Falls Church High School, where he excelled as a track and field athlete and served as the president of his class.

Despite facing financial difficulties, Salim pursued higher education. He decided to stay in-state and attended Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and later George Mason University (GMU). At GMU, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration in 2012 and a Master’s in Public Administration in 2015.

Political Journey South Asians for America Before entering politics, Saddam Salim was actively involved in community organizing. He served as the South Asians for America State Co-Director for Virginia alongside Delegate Kannan Srinivasan. His commitment to civic engagement and advocacy laid the groundwork for his political career.

2023 Virginia Senate Election In 2023, Salim announced his candidacy for the Virginia State Senate, challenging incumbent Democrat Chap Petersen. Petersen had represented the 34th District, which had been redistricted to the 37th. Salim’s campaign gained momentum due to several controversies surrounding Petersen, including his support of Confederate statues and his stance on the Washington Redskins team name.

On June 21, 2023, Salim pulled off an upset victory, defeating Petersen with 54% of the vote. His victory marked a significant shift in the district’s representation.

General Election Triumph In the 2023 general election, Salim faced Republican candidate Ken Reid. Salim secured a resounding victory, winning 68% of the vote. His commitment to progressive values and community-driven policies resonated with voters.

Committees and Priorities As a member of the Virginia Senate, Senator Salim serves on several committees:

• Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources
• Courts of Justice
• Privileges and Elections
• Rehabilitation and Social Services

Personal Details

• Party Affiliation: Democratic
• Residence: Falls Church, Virginia, U.S.
• Religion: Islam

Senator Saddam Azlan Salim brings a fresh perspective to the Virginia State Senate, advocating for inclusive policies and championing the needs of his diverse constituency. His journey from a first-generation immigrant to a state legislator exemplifies the American dream.