In the key swing state of Michigan, Democratic voters of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage are expressing concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris and her efforts to regain their support. Many in this community, particularly in the town of Dearborn, home to 110,000 residents and a cultural hub for Arab Americans, have been disillusioned by President Joe Biden’s handling of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. As a crucial battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, Dearborn could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
Residents interviewed voiced a willingness to listen to what Harris has to offer, a shift from the outright frustration directed at Biden. Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, said, “We are in listening mode right now.” Harris, in her speech accepting the Democratic nomination, pledged to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure Palestinians can achieve “dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.” However, some in the community are skeptical after pro-Palestinian delegates were denied a speaker slot at the convention. This decision led the group Muslim Women for Harris-Walz to withdraw their support from the campaign, calling it a “terrible message.”
Harris, who has spoken out about the suffering of Palestinians, has also met with leaders of the national “Uncommitted” movement, which has been critical of Biden during the primary. While she did not make specific promises, her empathy reportedly left an impression on those leaders. Key concerns remain centered around Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which began in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and have devastated the Palestinian enclave.
Michigan, historically an essential stop for White House hopefuls, has a growing influence of Arab and Middle Eastern voters. Dearborn, known for its connection to the automotive industry and its large Arab American population, has seen a shift in demographics due to economic downturns and waves of immigration from the Middle East. “For many of us, when you talk about what’s happening in Gaza, these are our family and our friends,” said Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud.
Once seen as a small U.S. city, Dearborn is now a vibrant hub of Arab American culture, featuring the largest mosque in the country and numerous Middle Eastern businesses. The Arab American community, historically conservative, has shifted politically over the years. After initially supporting George W. Bush in 2000, years of U.S. foreign policy and domestic scrutiny post-9/11 pushed many Arab Americans towards the Democratic Party. This was solidified with the election of figures like Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American in Congress, and other Arab American leaders in local government.
Despite backing Biden in 2020, largely in response to Donald Trump’s policies, many Dearborn residents are now frustrated with the Democrats. They are tired of choosing the “lesser of two evils” and want candidates who will actively support their demands, including a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel. Faye Nemer, a community activist, stated, “I think VP Harris has a window of opportunity. She can either continue President Biden’s legacy or set her own agenda.”
Harris has garnered some positive reactions by selecting Tim Walz as her running mate, who has shown a conciliatory approach to anti-war sentiments. This contrasts with figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who took a harder stance against college protesters. However, the expectations are high, and the demands are becoming more defined.
“We don’t want crumbs anymore,” declared Soujoud Hamade, a business lawyer and long-time Democrat. She emphasized that if Harris fails to meet the community’s expectations, she will shift her support to Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
With growing political influence, Arab Americans in Dearborn are making it clear that their votes cannot be taken for granted, and the upcoming election will require more than just rhetoric to win them over.
The stakes are high for the Democratic Party in Michigan, where Arab and Middle Eastern voters, particularly in Dearborn, could swing the outcome of the election. The community’s growing political influence reflects their rising frustration with being overlooked or taken for granted. Many feel that their concerns about U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are not being adequately addressed by the current administration.
As the 2024 election approaches, these voters are seeking more than just lip service—they want concrete actions and policies that align with their values and interests. The issue of Israel’s military operations in Gaza is deeply personal for many Arab Americans, especially those with family and friends directly affected by the conflict. The Biden administration’s perceived lack of strong support for Palestinian rights has left many feeling disillusioned.
Dearborn’s Arab American community is not monolithic, and opinions vary widely. Some are willing to give Harris a chance to make her case, while others have already begun looking for alternatives. The decision by Muslim Women for Harris-Walz to withdraw their support after being denied a voice at the convention highlights the depth of frustration among some groups. This dissatisfaction could lead to a fragmentation of support for the Democratic ticket, with some voters considering third-party candidates or simply staying home on Election Day.
Harris’s upcoming campaign efforts will be crucial in determining whether she can win back these voters. Engaging directly with community leaders and demonstrating a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns will be essential. There is a window of opportunity, but it is rapidly closing. Voters like Soujoud Hamade, who are ready to abandon the Democratic Party if their demands aren’t met, represent a growing segment of the electorate that is tired of empty promises.
Ultimately, the 2024 election in Michigan will likely come down to turnout and enthusiasm. If Harris and the Democratic Party can reconnect with disillusioned Arab American voters in places like Dearborn, they stand a strong chance of maintaining their hold on this crucial swing state. However, if these voters feel ignored or continue to be disappointed, the consequences could be significant—not just for Michigan, but for the national outcome as well.
As Election Day draws nearer, the question remains: Will Kamala Harris rise to the occasion and win back the trust of Arab American voters in Michigan, or will the Democratic Party’s relationship with this key demographic continue to deteriorate? The answer could be the difference between victory and defeat in one of the most important states in the electoral map.
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