What the 2024 Election Results Mean for Arab Americans: A Turning Point for Advocacy and Representation
- Omar Ammari
- Nov 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 23, 2024
The 2024 U.S. elections unfolded against a backdrop of intense geopolitical and domestic tensions, particularly surrounding the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. These events, coupled with evolving voting trends among Arab Americans, highlighted the community’s growing political influence and underscored critical areas for advocacy and mental health support.
Key Election Results and Community Reactions
The election of Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris marked a significant shift, with Arab American voters playing a decisive role in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. Historically aligned with the Democratic Party, many Arab American voters expressed frustration with the Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering military and financial support for Israel. The ongoing Gaza war, which has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, and the devastation in Lebanon prompted many voters to reassess their allegiances
Polling by the Arab American Institute revealed a stark drop in support for Democrats among Arab voters, with some turning to third-party candidates like Jill Stein. The Harris campaign’s perceived inability to address Arab American concerns meaningfully exacerbated these tensions. Meanwhile, Trump made notable overtures to Arab American communities, emphasizing economic and social issues while sidestepping his controversial record on immigration and Middle Eastern policies
The Role of Foreign Policy in Shaping Votes
The Gaza war and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East dominated the election discourse. Many Arab Americans were disillusioned by Harris’s vague statements on the crises, such as calling for “freedom and dignity” for Palestinians without proposing concrete policy shifts. Critics viewed these positions as insufficient in light of escalating humanitarian crises, including widespread displacement, famine, and over 93,000 injuries in Gaza
Trump’s record, including policies like the “Muslim ban” and his support for Israeli military actions, did not go unnoticed. However, some Arab voters prioritized expressing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s perceived neglect of Arab and Muslim concerns
Mental Health Impacts on Arab Americans
The emotional toll of political alienation and ongoing violence in the Middle East has significantly impacted Arab Americans’ mental health. Continuous exposure to distressing news, coupled with feelings of helplessness and being politically marginalized, has heightened stress, anxiety, and frustration across the community.
Our organization is working to address these issues, advocating for culturally competent mental health services and creating spaces for dialogue and healing. Tackling the stigma surrounding mental health care remains a central focus for us.
Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement
Despite the challenges, the 2024 elections highlighted opportunities for Arab Americans to influence U.S. policy and politics:
Strengthening Representation: Supporting Arab American candidates at all levels of government is critical for ensuring the community’s voice in policymaking.
Building Coalitions: Partnering with other marginalized groups to advocate for justice and equity in both domestic and foreign policies can amplify the Arab American voice.
Empowering Younger Generations: Fostering civic engagement among young Arab Americans will be key to sustaining and growing the community’s political influence.
Advocating for Policy Change: The election results emphasize the need for Arab Americans to push for balanced foreign policies and greater humanitarian considerations in Middle East engagements.
The Path Forward
The 2024 elections revealed both the growing influence and the ongoing struggles of Arab Americans in the political landscape. While challenges remain, particularly concerning U.S. foreign policy in Gaza and Lebanon, the community’s increasing engagement in elections emphasizes its potential to drive meaningful change.
At AAMHA, we believe this is a critical moment for collective action. By supporting mental health initiatives, advocating for justice, and fostering political engagement, Arab Americans can shape a future where their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
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