Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan are making unexpected choices in the final days of the 2024 presidential race, with many shifting their support from Democrats to Donald Trump or third-party candidates.
The war in Gaza has eclipsed other issues for many in these communities, sparking a protest against the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict, The Intercept reported.
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Mohamed Jaber, an Iraqi American who had consistently backed Democrats, switched his vote to Trump on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, this time it had to be a single issue: to end the conflict,” he said.
Like Jaber, others in Michigan are turning away from the Democratic Party, while some are abstaining from voting altogether.
In three Michigan cities with large Arab and Muslim populations, early voting turnout was significantly lower than in neighboring areas.
Disappointed Voters
The influence of Gaza’s conflict is underscored by Arab and Muslim voters who expressed disappointment with President Biden’s policies. Many expressed skepticism that Trump could bring peace, but they felt U.S. policy couldn’t get worse.
Nasser Ahmed Al-Shaibi, a 41-year-old lifelong Democrat, said, “Hopefully they’ll bring peace and stop the genocide in Palestine.”
As Trump courts these voters, he has visited Michigan multiple times, appearing at a Dearborn halal cafe and meeting with Arab and Muslim community leaders.
While Trump’s Islamophobic rhetoric remains fresh in voters’ memories, some sense he might be evolving.
Adam Hussein, a 26-year-old former Democrat, remarked, “That stuff did hurt, but at this time we have to choose between the genocide of Biden or Trump.”
Despite this shift, skepticism remains. “He’s just using them, just like he uses everybody else,” said Vince Allen, a non-Muslim canvassing for Harris in Hamtramck.
With turnout lagging, Vice President Kamala Harris made a last-minute appeal at Michigan State University, pledging to work toward ending the Gaza conflict and ensuring “dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination” for Palestinians.
Her campaign has also drawn endorsements from mainstream Muslim organizations like Emgage Action.
Third Party
Meanwhile, Jill Stein has emerged as a protest option. Positioned as the “anti-genocide” candidate, she has found support among Muslim voters disillusioned by the main party choices.
Fay Mheisen, a 31-year-old Stein voter, explained, “We need someone to stand up against the injustice that’s happening at the hands of our tax dollars.”
Osamah Alasadi, a 43-year-old Iraqi immigrant, remains cautious, viewing Trump as authoritarian.
“He’s just Saddam Hussein, but he’s blond,” Alasadi said. “Both sides, they’re going to support Israel.”
For many Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan, this election has become a moral test, with the Gaza war tipping the scales and turning traditionally Democratic voters toward alternatives.