Ruwa Romman

Ruwa Romman is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 97th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she is notable for being the first Palestinian and Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State House. Since taking office, Romman has been active in various legislative initiatives and has focused on issues such as healthcare access, voting rights, and support for working families. In addition to her legislative work, she briefly ran for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 gubernatorial election before shifting her focus to a campaign for the Georgia State Senate.

Early life and career

Ruwa Romman was born on June 14, 1993, in Jordan to a Palestinian family. At the age of seven, she moved to the United States, where she would later pursue her education and career. Romman attended South Forsyth High School, where she likely began to develop her interest in civic engagement and public service. Following her high school education, she enrolled at Oglethorpe University, where she completed her undergraduate studies. Romman continued her education at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, earning a Master of Public Policy in 2019.

After completing her graduate studies, Romman began her professional career as a senior consultant at Deloitte. Her work in this role provided her with valuable experience in policy analysis and strategic planning. In addition to her professional endeavors, Romman has been actively involved in local politics and civic engagement initiatives since at least 2014. She co-founded the Georgia Volunteer Hub in 2020, which played a significant role in training thousands of volunteers to support the Georgia Senate runoff election. This involvement in grassroots organizing reflects her commitment to enhancing civic participation and mobilizing community members around important political issues.

Legislative service

Ruwa Romman announced her candidacy for the Georgia House of Representatives in District 97 in January 2022. Her campaign focused on several key issues, including expanding healthcare access, protecting voting rights, supporting access to abortion, and assisting working families. Romman’s platform resonated with voters, leading to her victory in the Democratic primary on May 24, 2022, where she faced off against JT Wu. Following her primary win, she continued to build momentum leading up to the general election, which took place on November 8, 2022. Romman's successful campaign resulted in her becoming the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives.

Since taking office, Romman has been an active member of the Georgia legislature. In November 2022, she became part of Georgia's first formal Legislative Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus, highlighting her commitment to representing the interests of diverse communities within the state. Her election has been significant not only for her constituents but also for the representation of minority groups in Georgia politics.

In addition to her legislative duties, Romman has participated in various media interviews to discuss her experiences and the importance of representation in government. For instance, she was interviewed by journalists from Georgia Public Broadcasting and PBS News Hour, where she addressed the historic significance of her election and the broader implications for Muslim American candidates in the political landscape.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Ruwa Romman has prioritized several policy areas that reflect her commitment to her constituents and the values of the Democratic Party. Her focus on expanding healthcare access is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing national discussions about healthcare reform and the need for affordable medical services. Romman has advocated for policies that aim to improve healthcare outcomes for all Georgians, especially those in underserved communities.

In addition to healthcare, Romman has been a strong proponent of protecting voting rights. This issue has gained increasing attention in recent years, as various states have introduced legislation that critics argue may restrict access to the ballot. Romman’s advocacy in this area underscores her dedication to ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

Romman has also emphasized the importance of supporting access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. Her stance on this issue aligns with her broader commitment to women's rights and health equity. By advocating for policies that protect reproductive rights, Romman seeks to empower individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Furthermore, Romman has expressed a commitment to helping working families, recognizing the challenges they face in an evolving economic landscape. Her legislative efforts aim to address the needs of families by promoting policies that enhance economic stability and provide support for those in need.

In the 2024 election cycle, Romman was one of three Palestinian-American individuals nominated to speak at the Democratic National Convention, reflecting her growing influence within the party and her ongoing engagement with national issues. Although she withdrew from her initial campaign for Governor of Georgia in 2026, she subsequently announced her intention to run for the Georgia State Senate in the 7th district, indicating her continued ambition to serve in a legislative capacity.

Ruwa Romman's journey from her early life in Jordan to her current role in the Georgia legislature exemplifies her dedication to public service and her commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of her constituents. As she continues her legislative work, her focus on healthcare, voting rights, and support for working families remains central to her mission as a state representative.