ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

Over the last nearly three decades, I have had the privilege — and sometimes the heartbreak — of running multiple political campaigns. I have won some battles, lost many others, helped and mentored dozens of campaigns without getting paid a single dollar, knocked on thousands of doors, stood at shopping malls and polling locations handing out literature in the cold, spent sleepless nights building strategies, and learned firsthand how difficult public service and politics can truly be.

Through all of that, one person has quietly been part of almost every step of my journey: my daughter, Raaheela Ahmed. Both of our daughters, Raaheela Ahmed and Shabnam Ahmed, MPH, served on the PGCPS Board of Education and ran incredible campaigns largely because of the support of the community — not the political establishment. Too often, politics rewards favorites, friendships, and connections over competence, consistency, and contribution.

As a little girl, Raaheela Ahmed accompanied me to campaign events, community meetings, polling places, and late-night gatherings with volunteers. She witnessed both the inspiring side of politics and the disappointing side — the promises, the sacrifices, the setbacks, the criticism, and the emotional toll it can take on families. Yet through all of it, she never became cynical. Instead, it deepened her compassion for people and strengthened her belief that public service should always be rooted in dignity, empathy, and honesty.

What makes me proud is not simply that she is running for State Senate. It is why she is running. (https://www.facebook.com/reel/977283014985713)

Raaheela has never been motivated by titles, connections, or personal gain. She genuinely cares about people — seniors struggling with healthcare costs, students trying to find opportunity, families burdened by rising expenses, immigrants trying to navigate life with dignity, and communities that too often feel unheard. She listens with sincerity and approaches public service with humility and purpose. In fact, she intentionally chose to work in the nonprofit sector, accepting lower pay because she believed the impact and service to others mattered more. (www.raaheela.com)

I supported the incumbent in 2014 and 2018, so this is not about politics or personal loyalty for me. It is about recognizing character, principles, and the kind of leadership I believe our communities deserve. I truly believe she has the potential to become an impactful State Senator driven by values rather than self-interest.

At a time when many people have lost trust in politics and believe elected office has become more about benefiting oneself than serving others, I see something different in her. I see authenticity. I see service. I see the same young girl who grew up believing government should help uplift lives rather than divide people or advance personal agenda.

Whether she wins or loses, I already consider her journey meaningful because she is running for the right reasons — not for herself, but for her community for the residents of District 23.

As a father, there are few things more emotional and fulfilling than watching your child take the values you tried to teach and turn them into a mission to serve others.