Michigan's Arab Americans went from 'problem' to kingmakers
In what will be seen as this year’s most significant election, Dr Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. It was a close contest – a nail-biter, as we say – but it was a pivotal moment in US politics. He beat Ms Stevens by barely a percentage point, 49 per cent to 47. It was the first time that Israel’s war in Gaza and massive US military support to Israel became central themes…
Michigan's Arab American community has experienced a remarkable shift, transforming from being considered a "problem" to becoming pivotal players in recent elections. This transformation was exemplified in the recent Democratic Senate primary, where Dr. Abdul El-Sayed emerged victorious over incumbent Congresswoman Haley Stevens by just a single percentage point. This pivotal moment in US politics saw the war in Gaza and substantial US military support for Israel as central themes, sparking heated debates across the state.
The election also brought to light the significant role of "dark money" and independent expenditures in campaigns, with Stevens benefiting from over $54 million in outside spending, primarily from pro-Israel groups like Aipac. In contrast, El-Sayed's campaign relied heavily on small donations. This election proved that while money can support a candidate, it cannot guarantee victory.
The El-Sayed-Stevens contest became a national spectacle, pitting the progressive wing of the Democratic Party against its establishment, with leading Democrats from both sides campaigning in the state. El-Sayed's win marks a significant breakthrough for progressives, demonstrating that the "establishment" has become alienating for many Democratic voters.
Beyond El-Sayed, the election represented a major victory for Michigan's Arab American community. After long organizing and registering voters, they were able to elect an Arab American as the Democratic Senate nominee. The Dearborn-area contest for the Democratic nomination for Michigan's state Senate also saw a decisive victory for Abbas Alawieh, a co-founder of the "Uncommitted" movement.
This election marks one of the most consequential and groundbreaking contests in recent years, setting the stage for November's Senate race where El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers, who may decide control of the Senate.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
