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A mosque in Michigan. Photo: Rudaw
DETROIT, USA - In the battleground state of Michigan, a profound political shift is unfolding. Muslim voters, once a reliable Democratic stronghold, are dramatically reconsidering their allegiance, driven by deep concerns over the Gaza conflict and a growing attraction to Donald Trump's emphasis on family values.
Ahmed Salman, an Iraqi-American who has called Detroit home for over two decades, represents a generation in political transition.
"This is the most challenging election that passes, because we as Arabs constantly vote for Democrats. But in the past period, many changes have occurred, especially in the economic and domestic fields. Democrats supported family disintegration, those wars happening in the Middle East, all of which influenced us to not vote for Democrats this time. We have promised and will end them in Michigan,” he said.
With 241,000 Muslims calling Michigan home, this community represents a potential game-changing demographic in one of seven critical swing states that could determine the presidency when they go to the polls on November 5. What is most striking is the unprecedented unity across traditionally divided groups.
Mustafa Hamza has been living in Michigan for seven years and is leaning towards putting his faith in Trump to stop the wars.
"If we do not vote for this situation, we must continue to live in fear, and there is no security. There is war in Yemen, war in Islamic countries. We want someone who will calm the situation. We all want to go vote and have a better life,” he said.
The political landscape reveals a complex reality. Muslims, Arab, Shia, Sunni, and Kurd, are divided into two camps: either abstaining from voting or supporting Trump. The Gaza conflict and family protection have become two factors driving voters towards supporting the Republican ticket.
Samia Duhoki is originally from Duhok. He worked with the American forces in Iraq and has been living in the US with his wife and daughter since 2017. For him, family values are pivotal: "There are some political and natural internal and external factors. What's important for people here is to vote for Trump because he gives more importance to family."
Michigan, once a reliable "blue wall" for Democrats until 2016, has seen its political dynamics dramatically transformed. The upcoming election may well mark the potential sunset of Democratic influence in the state.
This is not just a local story, it is a microcosm of the complex political realities facing immigrant and minority communities in America. The Muslim community in Michigan is sending a powerful message that their political allegiance is not predetermined, but carefully considered based on current issues and perceived future impacts.
The political landscape is changing. And Michigan is ground zero for this transformation.
Ahmed Salman, an Iraqi-American who has called Detroit home for over two decades, represents a generation in political transition.
"This is the most challenging election that passes, because we as Arabs constantly vote for Democrats. But in the past period, many changes have occurred, especially in the economic and domestic fields. Democrats supported family disintegration, those wars happening in the Middle East, all of which influenced us to not vote for Democrats this time. We have promised and will end them in Michigan,” he said.
With 241,000 Muslims calling Michigan home, this community represents a potential game-changing demographic in one of seven critical swing states that could determine the presidency when they go to the polls on November 5. What is most striking is the unprecedented unity across traditionally divided groups.
Mustafa Hamza has been living in Michigan for seven years and is leaning towards putting his faith in Trump to stop the wars.
"If we do not vote for this situation, we must continue to live in fear, and there is no security. There is war in Yemen, war in Islamic countries. We want someone who will calm the situation. We all want to go vote and have a better life,” he said.
The political landscape reveals a complex reality. Muslims, Arab, Shia, Sunni, and Kurd, are divided into two camps: either abstaining from voting or supporting Trump. The Gaza conflict and family protection have become two factors driving voters towards supporting the Republican ticket.
Samia Duhoki is originally from Duhok. He worked with the American forces in Iraq and has been living in the US with his wife and daughter since 2017. For him, family values are pivotal: "There are some political and natural internal and external factors. What's important for people here is to vote for Trump because he gives more importance to family."
Michigan, once a reliable "blue wall" for Democrats until 2016, has seen its political dynamics dramatically transformed. The upcoming election may well mark the potential sunset of Democratic influence in the state.
This is not just a local story, it is a microcosm of the complex political realities facing immigrant and minority communities in America. The Muslim community in Michigan is sending a powerful message that their political allegiance is not predetermined, but carefully considered based on current issues and perceived future impacts.
The political landscape is changing. And Michigan is ground zero for this transformation.
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