Former President Donald Trump holds a slight edge over Vice President Kamala Harris among Arab voters nationally, according to a recent poll. The poll, conducted by Arab News and YouGov, shows Trump with 45% support from Arab voters, while 43% back Harris, and 8% support Jill Stein.
When asked who would be more likely to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Trump’s lead increased to six points, with 39% of respondents favoring him compared to 33% for Harris. However, Harris leads in perceptions of sensitivity to Arab American concerns, with 39% of respondents believing she is more attuned to their national needs, compared to 31% for Trump.
Harris has faced challenges among Arab American voters due to the Biden administration’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. In August, Muslim Women for Harris-Walz withdrew their endorsement and disbanded after a Palestinian representative was denied a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention. They stated, “We cannot in good conscience continue Muslim Women for Harris-Walz” due to the decision.
In 2020, President Biden is estimated to have won 60% of the Arab vote. A separate poll released by the Arab American Institute in October also shows Trump leading Harris among Arab voters, 46% to 42%. Arab voters are crucial in key swing states like Michigan, which many see as critical to Harris’ potential path to the White House.
Trump recently received an endorsement from Amer Ghalib, the first Muslim mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, who said, “I believe he is the right choice for this critical time.” Trump has been criticizing Harris for campaigning with former Rep. Liz Cheney, who played a key role in the Iraq War. On Truth Social, Trump posted, “Lyin’ Kamala has stooped so low as to pick a woman…Crazed Warhawk Liz Cheney… Now Kamala wants Arabs to vote for her? I don’t think so!”
