The re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. president last month marked a turning point for political engagement among Arab and Muslim American voters. Trump secured a decisive victory, winning all seven swing states and a significant majority of the popular vote. While Trump’s win didn’t hinge on their support, Arab and Muslim Americans played a critical role in shaping the election narrative and mobilizing voter turnout.
Arab American voters were divided in their preferences, with many backing Trump, while others split their support between Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein. This diversity in political alignment reflects a growing trend of independent political activism within these communities.
The Rise of Arab and Muslim Voter Movements
Two grassroots movements—Abandon Biden and the Uncommitted National Movement—emerged as powerful platforms for Arab and Muslim American voters, challenging the status quo. These movements capitalized on widespread discontent over President Joe Biden’s perceived lack of action regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the Biden administration’s overall approach to the Middle East.
While mainstream media largely ignored these movements, their impact was profound. Protests and calls for accountability highlighted the frustrations of many Arab and Muslim voters, setting the stage for a shift in political loyalty that played out during the Nov. 5 election.
A Historic Mobilization
The political mobilization witnessed during this election cycle was unparalleled in recent history. Many observers compared it to the influential efforts of Arab American Institute President Jim Zogby and Rev. Jesse Jackson during the 1984 and 1988 Democratic National Conventions, which elevated Arab American issues to the national stage.
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Arab and Muslim Americans, traditionally seen as socially conservative, often align with family values and prioritize religion in education. Despite this, many have historically gravitated toward the Democratic Party, drawn by its more inclusive rhetoric on Palestinian rights and opposition to Islamophobia. However, this election revealed cracks in that alignment, as Trump’s messaging and policies resonated with a significant segment of these voters.
Biden’s Outreach and Its Shortcomings
Biden initially made significant efforts to court Arab and Muslim voters. During his 2020 campaign, he unveiled a comprehensive policy document titled “Joe Biden and the Arab American Community: A Plan for Partnership.” This plan promised to address key concerns and foster inclusivity. Biden also ended Trump’s controversial travel restrictions, often referred to as the “Muslim ban,” and appointed over two dozen Arab Americans to prominent positions in his administration.
Notable appointments included Maher Bitar as Senior Director for Intelligence Programs at the National Security Council and Hady Amr as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli and Palestinian Affairs at the State Department. However, the Gaza conflict that erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, overshadowed these achievements. Many Arab American appointees were reportedly silenced during this period, as Biden faced growing criticism for his handling of the crisis and lack of concrete steps toward a two-state solution.
Energizing Local and National Elections
Despite these challenges, the election underscored the growing political influence of Arab and Muslim Americans. According to an October YouGov poll commissioned by Arab News, 87% of Arab Americans expressed their intent to vote, with a narrow 2% preference for Trump over Harris. This robust participation is now spilling over into local elections, with Arab and Muslim candidates declaring their candidacies in states like Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Florida, New York, and California.
This surge in voter activism is reshaping the political landscape. Arab and Muslim Americans are no longer content to be sidelined; they are becoming key players in shaping policies and narratives at both local and national levels.
A Catalyst for Future Engagement
While Arab and Muslim voters may not have been the decisive factor in Trump’s re-election, their collective activism has energized their communities and amplified their political voice. Their growing engagement reflects a broader movement of marginalized groups seeking representation and influence in the U.S. political system.
As Arab and Muslim Americans continue to organize, advocate, and run for office, their impact on future elections is likely to be even more significant. This election has proven that their voices are not only relevant but also essential in shaping the nation’s political discourse.
