Asif Mahmood has been unanimously elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom for the 2026-27 term, placing the physician and human rights advocate at the head of the bipartisan federal commission.

USCIRF announced the election on July 20, 2026. Commissioners also elected attorney CeCe Heil as vice chair. Mahmood previously served as the commission’s vice chair and was recently reappointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a second term ending in May 2028.

USCIRF is an independent federal commission created by Congress to monitor religious freedom conditions outside the United States. It provides policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state and Congress, and publishes reports examining governments and organizations accused of severe violations.

In accepting the leadership role, Mahmood emphasized the importance of developing policy responses to threats against religious communities around the world. His term begins as USCIRF continues to examine restrictions on worship, government repression, sectarian violence and the persecution of religious minorities.

Mahmood is a practicing pulmonologist, community leader and longtime human rights advocate. His medical career includes a pulmonary fellowship at Columbia University’s Harlem Hospital. He has also participated in humanitarian campaigns, interfaith initiatives and organizations serving vulnerable communities.

His professional experience brings a health and humanitarian perspective to a commission whose work often involves communities affected by conflict, displacement and political repression. Mahmood has argued that religious freedom is a universal human right and that documenting abuses is necessary for meaningful U.S. policy action.

His election is particularly significant for South Asian Americans. Mahmood is reported to be the first South Asian to lead USCIRF, marking a new level of representation within a federal body that contributes to U.S. foreign policy discussions.

The role also reflects how physicians and community advocates can influence public policy beyond their primary professions. Mahmood’s leadership connects his experience in medicine, humanitarian service and interfaith organizing with the commission’s international mandate.

As chair, Mahmood will help guide USCIRF hearings, research priorities and recommendations during the coming year. The commission’s influence will depend on its ability to provide credible, evidence-based assessments and translate its findings into practical recommendations for U.S. policymakers.

Key Takeaways About Asif Mahmood

• Asif Mahmood was unanimously elected chair of USCIRF for the 2026-27 term.
• He previously served as the commission’s vice chair.
• Mahmood is a practicing pulmonologist and human rights advocate.
• USCIRF advises the U.S. government on international religious freedom policy.
• He is reported to be the first South Asian American to lead the commission.