Concord state rep: Afghan woman beats seasoned rival

KABUL (Pajhwok): An Afghan refugee woman has defeated her seasoned rival in the Democratic primary for a seat in the New Hampshire legislature, a media report said on Wednesday.

Safiya Wazir, according to the Concord Monitor, beat District 17 State Rep. Dick Patten -- a four-term incumbent in the legislature.

The 27-year-old would become the first refugee in the state to hold public office if she defeats Republican Dennis Soucy in November.

Her family fled Afghanistan in 2007 and arrived in Concord. “It gives me so much energy to be backed from the people themselves. It’s driven me to be positive,” she said.

If elected, the Afghan woman will focus on Medicaid expansion, more housing opportunities and instilling paid family medical leave in New Hampshire.

PAN Monitor/mud