Arab-American voters in Michigan are increasingly disenchanted with Vice President Kamala Harris due to the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel during its military offensive in Gaza. This shift has been notably reported in a New York Times article that highlights the growing divide between Arab and Muslim voters—an essential bloc comprising around 300,000 individuals in a pivotal swing state. While President Biden garnered substantial support from these communities in the previous election, interviews conducted with voters, activists, and community leaders in the Detroit area reveal a significant erosion in that backing. Some neighborhoods witness such a drastic decline that support for the Democratic ticket has seemingly evaporated.
Imam Hassan Qazwini, a prominent community figure and the founder of the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights, expressed his disappointment with Harris’s perceived partiality and lack of fairness in her handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has indicated a willingness to consider voting for a third party this election cycle, an indication of how much the political landscape has shifted for Arab-American voters since the last election. Fatima Klait, a young voter in Dearborn, echoed similar frustrations, stating that many people she knows have plans to switch their allegiance to either a third-party candidate or even Trump. Klait articulated a belief that Trump’s policies may result in “less damage overseas,” showcasing a significant shift in how these voters view the major political parties.
Another voter from Dearborn, Hussein Beydoun, pointed out that Trump’s “America First” messaging appeals to him, suggesting a stark contrast between the Democratic Party’s approach to foreign policy and what he perceives as a lack of attention to domestic issues. This sentiment underscores a broader concern among many in the Arab-American community that their needs and perspectives are overlooked by the Democratic Party in favor of international commitments. The changing attitudes among these voters indicate a growing frustration with the administration’s foreign policy and a desire for leaders who prioritize domestic concerns over international entanglements.
In response to this disenchantment, the Harris campaign is actively seeking engagement with Arab-American and Muslim voters in Michigan and other regions. The campaign has initiated outreach efforts, including meetings with community leaders and securing endorsements from selected current and former Arab and Muslim officials. Despite these outreach attempts, the campaign faces an uphill battle in restoring the trust and support of a community that feels alienated from the Democratic ticket. The lack of effectiveness in these efforts highlights the potential consequences of the administration’s foreign policy decisions on local voter sentiment.
Compounding the challenge for the Harris campaign is the endorsement of Donald Trump by Amer Ghalib, the Mayor of Hamtramck, which is unique for being the only city in Michigan with an all-Muslim governing body. Ghalib’s public endorsement signifies a deeper rift among Arab-American voters, who are beginning to consider the possibility of aligning with a candidate whose views do not necessarily align with their own on all issues. His declaration that he would not regret this choice suggests a conviction that transcends party affiliation, indicating a readiness among some voters to prioritize personal principles over party loyalty, especially in critical times.
As the 2024 elections approach, the dynamics among Arab-American voters in Michigan highlight the growing complexities of their political affiliations and expectations. Discontent with the current administration’s policies, especially concerning Israel, has prompted discussions of third-party candidates and an unexpected interest in Donald Trump among these voters. The shifting allegiances reflect broader sentiments regarding domestic versus foreign policy priorities, hinting at a pivotal change in the voting landscape that could have significant implications for both parties in the upcoming election. Ultimately, how the Democratic Party addresses these concerns will be crucial in determining whether they can win back the trust of a crucial voting bloc that once played a significant role in their success.