From UP to US politics: Who is Saba Haider, Ghaziabad woman who studied at Holy Child School and AMU, got elected to Illinois House

A journey that began in the classrooms of Ghaziabad has taken Saba Haider to the political corridors of the US. A former student of Holy Child School and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the 42-year-old has won a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives, defeating her Republican challenger, a TOI report stated. Haider secured around 71% of the votes in the election for Illinois’ 84th House District, comfortably defeating Republican candidate Brian Scopa, who received approximately 29%. Her victory brought celebrations to her family in Ghaziabad, while relatives in Bulandshahr, where her family has its ancestral roots, also joined in.

Her electoral success is particularly interesting given her journey across different fields. Before entering politics, Haider studied wildlife sciences in India, moved to the US after marriage, and built a career as a certified yoga instructor. She gradually became involved in community initiatives before making her mark in local politics.

Who is Saba Haider? Her education and early life in Ghaziabad

Saba Haider grew up in Ghaziabad, where her father, Syed Ali Haider, worked as an engineer before retiring. Her mother, Chandni, recalls to TOI that her daughter was interested in public affairs from an early age. School debates and speaking competitions were among the activities that helped shape her confidence. According to her mother, Haider’s academic interests and willingness to participate in public discussions eventually influenced her interest in politics.
She completed her schooling at Holy Child School in Ghaziabad. She then enrolled at Ram Chameli Chadha Vishvas Girls’ College, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. Her academic journey subsequently took her to Aligarh Muslim University. There, she specialised in wildlife sciences and earned a gold medal, an achievement that marked an important milestone before her move to the US.

Husband Ali Kazmi is from Bulandshahr

Haider married Ali Kazmi, a computer science engineer whose family belongs to Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh, in 2006. The couple moved to the US in 2007 and eventually settled in the Chicago. They have two children, Azim and Aizah. While Haider initially pursued a career in wellness, her husband remained supportive of her growing involvement in community affairs and public life. Her mother has credited the family’s encouragement as an important factor behind her daughter’s political journey. Over the years, Haider developed relationships with people from different backgrounds through her work and social initiatives.

From yoga instructor to politician in the US

After moving to America, Haider became a certified yoga teacher. Her classes attracted people from different walks of life, including university students and corporate professionals. The profession gave her an opportunity to interact with a diverse community and understand issues affecting people in their everyday lives. Her involvement in local initiatives gradually opened the door to public service.
However, entering electoral politics did not bring immediate success. Haider first contested the DuPage County Board elections in 2022 but lost by approximately 1,000 votes. Rather than stepping away from politics, she continued working towards building her public profile and strengthening her local connections. Her next attempt proved successful. In 2024, she defeated Republican incumbent Patty Gustin by a margin of 8,521 votes and secured a position on the DuPage County Board. The county board has elected representatives from six districts, with members serving terms of varying lengths.

What work did Saba Haider do before winning the Illinois House election?

Her entry into the DuPage County Board gave Haider a larger platform to work on local governance issues. She went on to chair its environmental and strategic planning committees. Her responsibilities involved matters connected with environmental concerns, public health and community development. These roles also helped her gain experience in policymaking and working with local communities.

For her Illinois House campaign, Haider focused on issues that directly affect households, including access to affordable healthcare, improving education and addressing the rising cost of living. Her victory in the 84th House District marks another step in her political career, taking her from county-level governance to the state legislature.

Family in Ghaziabad celebrates Saba Haider’s victory

The election result brought celebrations to Haider’s parental home in Ghaziabad. Her father, Syed Ali Haider, said the family had been receiving congratulatory calls following her victory. He described the result as a proud moment not only for the family but also for India. From a school in Ghaziabad to a university in Aligarh, and eventually to an electoral contest in America, Haider’s journey has crossed several professional and geographical boundaries. Her latest victory has now given her a place in the Illinois state legislature.