DEARBORN, MI — Following Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in the 2024 election, residents of Dearborn, Michigan, are grappling with feelings of betrayal and frustration, particularly among the city’s large Arab American population. Historically a Democratic stronghold, Dearborn — home to one of the nation’s largest Arab American communities — saw a dramatic shift in voter sentiment this year, with Trump breaking the GOP’s losing streak in the city.
According to unofficial results from the city clerk, Trump won 47 percent of the vote in Dearborn, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 28 percent. Harris, who had won the city by a landslide in 2020, received significantly fewer votes in 2024, a clear indication of the discontent simmering within the community. Green Party candidate Jill Stein, whose campaign focused on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, captured 22 percent of the vote.
For many Arab American voters in Dearborn, the result is a painful consequence of what they see as the Democratic Party’s failure to represent their values, particularly on issues related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. “All she had to do was stop the war in Lebanon and Gaza and she would receive everyone’s votes here,” said Abdullah Hammoud, the city’s Democratic mayor, reflecting the frustration that many felt with the Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering support for Israel.
As the conflict escalated following Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel, the U.S. continued to send military aid to Israel, a policy that has deeply angered many Arab Americans. Vice President Harris, in particular, was criticized for her staunch defense of Israel. In an interview with CNN in August, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to Israel, stating, “I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense,” and adding that she would not alter her stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
The administration’s position alienated many Arab American voters who felt their concerns were being ignored. “When I think of Democrats, I don’t think of people like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” said Layla Elabed, a prominent anti-war activist and the sister of Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib. “You can’t claim to represent the values of your base and then ignore them. That’s exactly what happened.”
The sense of betrayal was echoed by Michael Sareini, President of the Dearborn City Council, who stated, “Many Arab Americans here feel like they’ve been redeemed. They wanted to send a message, and they did. This stance on endless wars has got to end.”
While some voted for Trump out of anger toward the Democrats, others remain skeptical about the Republican candidate’s intentions. “They didn’t vote for Trump because they believe he’s the best candidate,” said Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News. “They voted for him because they want to punish the Democrats and Harris.”
Yet, there are concerns about Trump’s approach. “It’s clear as day that he’s playing us,” said Abbas Alawieh, a Lebanese American from Dearborn. “I think he’s going to target us. He’s going to target our families, and it’s going to hurt. So, I think we’re about to find out.”
As the election results continue to resonate through the community, the impact of Dearborn’s shift in voting patterns is clear: many Arab American voters feel caught between two parties that, in their view, have failed to understand or address their concerns. While some may have turned to Trump as a form of protest against the Democrats, the path forward remains uncertain, with many wondering how the new administration will address the issues that matter most to their community.
