Ghaziabad to Chicago: How a UP yoga instructor and AMU gold medallist won an Illinois House seat in US elections

A yoga instructor from Uttar Pradesh has made her way into American politics, adding a new chapter to a journey that began in Ghaziabad and took her across continents. Saba Haider, a 42-year-old former wildlife course student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has won the election to the Illinois House of Representatives in the United States. Haider defeated Republican candidate Brian Scopa in the contest for Illinois' 84th House District, securing approximately 71% of the votes against his 29%. Her journey is particularly unusual because politics was not her first professional destination. Haider studied wildlife sciences in India, moved to the US after getting married and established herself as a certified yoga instructor before becoming involved in community activities and electoral politics.

Saba Haider: From Ghaziabad classrooms to an AMU gold medal

Haider's educational journey began in Ghaziabad, where she attended Holy Child School. She later graduated from Ram Chameli Chadha Vishvas Girls' College before moving to Aligarh Muslim University for higher studies. At AMU, she specialised in wildlife sciences and earned a gold medal. Her academic background was rooted in science, far removed from the political career she would eventually pursue in the US.


Her interest in public speaking and current affairs, however, reportedly developed much earlier. Her mother, Chandni, has recalled that Haider regularly participated in debates and oratory competitions during her school years. These experiences helped her develop an interest in public issues and community participation.

How Saba Haider moved to US: Marriage took her to America in 2007

Haider married Ali Kazmi, a computer science engineer from Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh, in 2006. A year later, the couple moved to the United States and eventually settled in the Chicago area. The couple have two children, Azim and Aizah. While adjusting to life in a new country, Haider also began building a professional identity of her own.

She became a certified yoga instructor and started teaching people from different backgrounds. Her students included college students as well as corporate professionals. The profession offered her more than a career. It brought her into regular contact with local residents, helping her understand the concerns and expectations of the community. Over time, her participation in social initiatives expanded. She began taking a more active interest in public affairs, eventually moving towards electoral politics.

Saba Haider's first election defeat did not end her political ambitions

Haider's entry into politics was not an overnight success. Her first electoral attempt came in 2022, when she contested the DuPage County Board elections but lost by around 1,000 votes. The setback did not stop her from pursuing public office. In 2024, she contested again and defeated Republican incumbent Patty Gustin by a reported margin of 8,521 votes. This victory secured her a place on the DuPage County Board, giving her an opportunity to work on local administrative and policy issues.

She subsequently chaired the board's environmental and strategic planning committees. Her work involved issues related to environmental concerns, public health and community development.

The experience also gave her an opportunity to understand how local government functions and how policy decisions affect residents.

Saba Haider US Election Campaign: Healthcare and education among her key election promises

For her Illinois House campaign, Haider focused on issues that affect ordinary households. Affordable healthcare, better access to education and the rising cost of living featured prominently in her campaign. These concerns formed an important part of her pitch to voters in the 84th House District. Her win over Republican challenger Brian Scopa, with approximately 71% of the vote, has now taken her from county-level politics to the Illinois state legislature.

What is the Illinois House of Representatives?

The Illinois House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Illinois State Legislature, the US state's legislative body. It is somewhat comparable to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) in India. Just as MLAs represent different constituencies in an Indian state assembly, members of the Illinois House represent electoral districts within the state. They debate and pass state laws, approve budgets and oversee the functioning of the state government. The Illinois State Legislature has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Together, they perform legislative functions at the state level.