Saba Haider, who did her MSc in Wildlife Sciences at AMU and left the department with a gold medal, has won a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. She took District 84 with 71.2 per cent of the vote (21,995 votes), against 28.8 per cent for Republican Brian Scopa, as per unofficial results on Ballotpedia. Amar Ujala reported the win on 5 November 2026.
The result
Haider contested as a Democrat in the 3 November elections in the United States. Her margin in District 84 was wide: according to the Amar Ujala report, nearly three of every four votes counted went to her.
- Seat: State Representative, Illinois House District 84
- Vote share: 71.2 per cent (21,995 of 30,897 votes), as per unofficial results on Ballotpedia
- Earlier win: DuPage County Board, which Amar Ujala dates to 2024
- Attempt: her third run for elected office, the paper said
From the Wildlife Sciences department
Her old department remembers her well. Prof. Afifullah Khan, former Chairman of the Department of Wildlife Sciences, told Amar Ujala that Saba was a brilliant student. She finished her MSc with a gold medal.
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Her family roots are close to Aligarh. She is the daughter of engineer Ali Haider of Mohalla Sadat in Aurangabad, Bulandshahr, and moved to the US after her marriage. Nawab Haider Ali Khan Asad was among those who welcomed the news of her win.
More AMU alumnae
For other women from the university who broke new ground, see our piece on famous women of AMU.
Source: Amar Ujala, Aligarh edition, 5 November 2026 (report).
