Liban Mohamed is a busy man, and with his primary election taking place June 23, it’s easy to understand why. Running for Utah’s 1st Congressional District — which covers Salt Lake County, the most populous county in the state — the 27-year-old Somali American is ready to contribute to a new generation of leadership. If elected, Mohamed will be Utah’s youngest-ever U.S. House Representative, and he’s laser-focused on making that happen.
“[We’re] knocking on doors, talking to folks, doing the good work,” he tells Her Campus in an exclusive interview. “I’m hopeful and confident that [our efforts are] going to turn into a result that’s truly historic and a beautiful moment.”
Salt Lake County is a blue dot in an otherwise conservative state. Mohamed is running to represent the county’s diverse communities and fight for working people who he believes have previously been ignored. “We really need to have representation of communities who are often left behind and don’t have a seat at the table in Utah,” he says. “We finally have a chance to have a new generation of leadership, something different, something that actually unites for our minority communities.”
One of Mohamed’s main platforms is immigration. “I support abolishing ICE,” he says. “We didn’t have it a little over two decades ago, and I don’t think we need to have it today. The current administration has looked at the concept of fear as if it was a policy, but it’s not a policy. We need more leaders to get elected who are from immigrant backgrounds, immigrant families, who understand what that experience is like.”
Mohamed wants to make changes that “recognizes our shared humanity and dignity and build an immigration system that’s rooted in that very everything that values that we have as Americans,” something especially poignant for him as the child of Somali immigrants. “I’m trying my best to be an example of a different light than what the president has tried to shine on [Somali Americans],” he says, referencing President Donald Trump’s multiple disparaging comments about Somali immigrants. “It’s tough to be looked at and have preconceived notions that are really hurtful and negative to the community, and not an accurate reflection of the vast majority of us is definitely a challenge — a challenge that I have faced continuously. But … in the position that I’m in today is a privilege and opportunity to shine light on the beautiful community that we are and the value that we bring.”
Despite only being 27, Mohamed isn’t worried about working with other older members of Congress if he’s elected. “I ask people not to judge me by my age or tenure or my experience, but my track record and results,” he says. Actually, he sees the potential age difference as a positive thing. “To have people of different ages, different backgrounds, different experiences, and expertise [in office] is what strengthens our Congress to be able to come up with the best solutions for us.”
In truth, Mohamed believes it’s time for younger generations to have their voices heard. “Our society is dealing with a new generation of problems, and it requires a new generation of leadership to be able to solve them — especially as it relates to tech, the AI boom, foreign policy — a lot of matters that younger generations uniquely have a better pulse on and eye on than previous generations,” he says. “It’s that fire in our gut, the heart to want to see something different and be willing to do whatever it takes. Part of it is the delusion of youth, but the delusion is the recipe for success and change.”
What are the top three issues you’re running on?
So many policies I could pick from. Single-payer healthcare, saving the Great Salt Lake, and abolishing ICE and building an immigration system that’s rooted in our shared humanity.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City?
Julia’s Mexican Restaurant.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
I usually just get a regular latte.
Skiing, snowboarding, or hiking?
I’d say snowboarding is more fun.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl.
What’s your Swig order?
Honestly, I’ve never been. But I’ll say a Dirty Coke.