Empathy. justice. progress.
Empathy. justice. progress.
Meet Saddam
Meet Saddam
A proven legislator and fighter for all Virginians!
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An Immigrant Story
A husband, first-generation immigrant, and a proven State Senator.
Senator Saddam Azlan Salim, a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh, grew up witnessing devastating climate disasters, including the historic 1998 flood. His family came to the United States in 2000 when he was 10, but soon faced eviction and homelessness. With help from a family friend and later Fairfax County’s affordable housing program, his parents worked minimum wage jobs with his father working his way from dishwasher to head chef.
Finding a Home in Falls Church
In Falls Church, community health centers provided his family with critical care, including finally diagnosing his mother’s long-standing reproductive health condition. Saddam became a student leader at Falls Church High School and chose to stay close to home for college so he so he could help his family during his mother’s recovery, attending Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. Affordable higher education allowed him to earn both a bachelor’s degree and later a Master's of Public Administration while supporting his family and giving back as an assistant track and field coach.
A Record of Service, Empathy, and Justice
Saddam built a career as a federal contractor working at the United States Institute of Peace and various other agencies. He has been a deeply engaged community and party leader, holding numerous roles in Democratic and civic organizations and founding key caucuses to elevate AAPI and Black voices. In 2023, he won a primary upset for State Senate District 37, then the general election. He now serves in the Virginia Senate and on regional boards, guided by his belief in public service shaped by his own experiences with housing, healthcare, education, and community support.