MIDDLEEAST TYCOON NEWS DESK: In the 2020 US Census, just 3.5 million Americans identified as Middle Eastern or North African, making up about 1% of the population. However, their influence in the 2024 presidential election is proving pivotal, especially in swing states like Michigan, where the Arab American vote could decide the outcome.
While Arab Americans are not a monolithic group, they have been united in their discontent over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. A recent Arab News/YouGov poll revealed a sharp division in their presidential preferences, with 45% supporting Donald Trump and 43% backing Kamala Harris. This split reflects a growing dissatisfaction among traditionally Democratic Arab Americans, who feel let down by Biden’s stance on the Gaza crisis.
Both campaigns have aggressively courted this crucial voter base. Harris has attempted to distance herself from Biden’s Middle East policies, calling the loss of Palestinian lives “unconscionable” and meeting with community leaders in Michigan. However, Trump has also targeted Arab Americans, positioning himself as pro-peace in the Middle East despite his controversial record.
With the race too close to call, especially in Michigan, where Arab Americans play a decisive role, the 2024 election is shaping up to be historic for this community. Their increasing political engagement—especially in cities like Dearborn, Michigan—underscores their growing influence in the American political landscape.
