In recent months, there has been a notable trend of Arab American citizens shifting toward supporting Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 elections. Despite their enthusiasm for Trump’s policies and ideas, many of these individuals have not registered to vote, primarily due to a lack of knowledge regarding the voting process. My husband and I recognized this gap in Republican outreach primarily targeting the Middle Eastern American community. To address this issue, we founded the Conservative American Middle Eastern PAC (CAM PAC) in October 2024, motivated by stories of friends struggling financially but still wanting to support Trump. Our aim is to close the gap in voter registration, ensuring that those who back Trump can make their voices heard.
Since our establishment in Michigan, our efforts to register voters have seen considerable success. Citizens have demonstrated an eagerness to engage with the voting process, often waiting in long lines to register and cast their votes for Trump. For instance, a Christian Iraqi American man named Bashar approached our registration table after initially being courted by Democrats who urged him to vote for Kamala Harris. After hearing from us, he chose to register as a Republican, expressing gratitude that this was the first time someone had explained how to vote in line with his conservative beliefs. His enthusiasm grew as he helped his mother register too, showcasing the ripple effect of our outreach efforts.
The diversity of those we’ve registered is striking. One recent example includes an 85-year-old woman and her sister, both of whom took the initiative to register after feeling unsupported by their families regarding their political preferences. Similarly, a 102-year-old woman expressed her desire to see Trump win the election before she passes away, illustrating the emotional and personal stakes tied to this election for many individuals. A younger demographic is also getting involved; a 24-year-old woman, voting for the first time, specifically sought us out to ensure her support for Trump. These stories reflect a broader, often untold narrative of the enthusiasm lurking within the community.
Many individuals approaching our tables have shared their surprise at the registration process; they generally did not understand that they needed to register prior to voting. There has been a consistent misconception that one can simply show up on election day with an ID and vote. In two days alone, we managed to register about 100 new voters, indicating a significant demand for clarity and support within the Middle Eastern community regarding voter registration and participation. These stories are a testament to the need for increased outreach and education on voting procedures.
Our work is not limited to Middle Eastern Americans; we have expanded our registration drives to include Albanian Americans and are reaching out to the Macedonian American community in Michigan, who have shown eagerness to participate in the electoral process. Collaboration with grassroots conservative activists, such as Tea Party Patriots founder Jenny Beth Martin and Turning Point’s Charlie Kirk, has also been pivotal in raising awareness about the importance of voter registration as election deadlines approach. We are united in our mission to ensure that every potential voter knows their rights and the procedures required to make their vote count.
As the November election draws closer, the urgency to register grows. Michiganders have until October 21 to register online or by mail, after which the process becomes more cumbersome as it requires a visit to local election offices. This barrier could deter many citizens who might otherwise participate in the democratic process. Our dedication at CAM PAC remains resolute; we will continue working to register voters and empower citizens, ensuring that the voices of those who support Trump are not left unheard in this crucial election. My experience as a former Breitbart White House correspondent and a Trump administration official has further fueled my commitment to ensuring that the Arab American and broader Middle Eastern communities can realize their political potential.
