Michigan's Arab American Community Shifts Away from Trump and GOP, Favoring El-Sayed

The Arab American community in Michigan, once a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, is experiencing a significant shift in political allegiance. Once instrumental in delivering Michigan to Trump in the 2024 election, this community is now increasingly disillusioned with the Republican Party and its policies. The shift is a critical factor in the ongoing battle for Senate control, as former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers seeks to maintain the gains made under Trump's presidency against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim whose parents are Egyptian immigrants.

Detroit-area Arab Americans, who swung heavily in favor of Trump due to the war in Gaza and cost-of-living concerns, are now expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing war in Iran and the slow peace process in Gaza. This change in sentiment could have significant implications for the Senate race, where Rogers is fighting to retain the support of Trump's 2024 voter base.

Albert Abbas, who presented a peace prize to Trump during his 2024 visit to Dearborn, Michigan, expressed his disappointment. "Did he do that? Did he put American interests first? It's the complete opposite," Abbas said, reflecting the sentiments of many in the community. Michigan Republicans, who had hoped to establish sustainable support among the Arab American population, are now witnessing a reversal of fortunes.

Hassan Nehme, who served as the Michigan Republican Party's vice chair during the 2024 cycle, echoed this sentiment. "Once the administration got into the White House, everything we were told kind of flip-flopped," Nehme said. "We lost all traction. Republicans are kind of dead in the water in the area right now."

The disillusionment with the GOP is not limited to political leaders. Dearborn-based Imam Husham Al-Husainy, who backed Trump in 2024 and was scheduled to offer a benediction at the inauguration, now supports El-Sayed. Al-Husainy's change of heart stems from Trump's perceived broken promises, particularly regarding his promise for "no new wars."

Amer Ghalib, a former Democratic mayor of Muslim-majority Hamtramck, also backed Trump in 2024. However, he now argues that the GOP should be more concerned about losing the long-term trust of the Arab American community than about retaining short-term gains. "There is a tremendous work that needs to be done … to address people's concerns and regain their trust," Ghalib said.

Faye Nemer, who leads the Dearborn-based Middle Eastern and North African American Chamber of Commerce, predicts that the midterm elections will mark a significant change in sentiment within her community toward Republicans. "Many voters, including myself, are now asking whether the policy promises we received bear any resemblance to the reality that we're seeing on the ground," Nemer said.

Rogers has not shied away from branding his opponent as a Muslim extremist. He has criticized El-Sayed for campaigning with Hasan Piker, a prominent and controversial left-wing influencer, and for his response to an attack on a Michigan synagogue earlier this year. El-Sayed has condemned antisemitism throughout his campaign and apologized for his remarks after the synagogue attack.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee's first ad of the general election called El-Sayed by his full name, Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed. Trump himself weighed in, describing the election as a battle against "jihadists being elected all over the place."

As the race for Senate control intensifies, the Arab American community in Michigan is a crucial battleground. The shift in political allegiances within this community could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Republican Party and the direction of American politics.