The recent US mid-term elections highlighted the growing influence of Somali-American women in politics, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Somali wave.” Out of around 40 Somali-Americans elected to various offices, eight were women, many wearing the hijab. Ilhan Omar, re-elected to Congress for a third term, remains the most prominent figure, alongside leaders like Deqa Dhalac, mayor of South Portland, Maine, and newly elected state legislator Mana Abdi. These women serve as powerful role models, inspiring younger Somali and Muslim women to enter public service. Their rise reflects not only personal determination but also the strong, organised nature of Somali diaspora communities, which have leveraged their voting power, fundraising ability, and solidarity to gain political representation. This growing political presence challenges patriarchal traditions and the dominance of conservative clerics within the diaspora, while also showing that Islam and liberal democratic values can coexist. For many Somali-American women, wearing the hijab is not a barrier but a symbol of empowerment, blending faith with modern leadership. The Somali wave signals a cultural and political shift, encouraging a new generation of Somali women to aim for leadership roles in the US, Somalia, and beyond.