El-Sayed’s Senate bid divides Arab American voters in Dearborn
Abdul El-Sayed’s bid for a US Senate seat is testing political loyalties in Dearborn, Michigan, where families and voters are divided over religion, culture and party. The contest matters because Arab American voters could help decide a close race, while El-Sayed must also limit losses in rural parts of the state.
Michigan has an estimated 400,000 Arab Americans, about four per cent of its population, and Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck shifted towards Donald Trump in 2024 amid anger over US policy on Gaza. El-Sayed needs to win back support, but some voters are dissatisfied with both candidates; one Christian pastor interviewed plans to vote for Republican Mike Rogers, while his Muslim brother backs El-Sayed. Asked about Arab American voters who may not support him, El-Sayed replied: “I hope they go vote for me.”
In short
- Arab American voters could prove pivotal in Michigan’s close Senate race.
- Dearborn-area cities shifted towards Trump in 2024.
- El-Sayed faces frustration among some voters as well as Republican opposition.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of El-Sayed may see his candidacy as a chance to elect a representative who better reflects Arab American communities and can address their concerns, including US policy on Gaza. They may argue that backing him gives voters influence in a close race and helps build a broader coalition across Michigan.
The case against
Voters who oppose El-Sayed may have sincere religious, cultural or political reservations, or may prioritise other issues and judge that Republican Mike Rogers better represents their views. Some may also feel alienated by both candidates or doubt that El-Sayed can win enough support statewide, making their choice a matter of conscience or strategy rather than community loyalty.
Explained simply
Michigan elects two US senators to represent the state in Washington, and close races can turn on how different communities vote. Dearborn and nearby cities have large Arab American populations, whose views on candidates and US policy towards Gaza vary.
Abdul El-Sayed is a doctor and former Michigan health official seeking the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat. Mike Rogers is the Republican candidate; the parties differ on many national issues, while voters may also weigh candidates’ backgrounds, religion and positions on foreign policy.
Arab American voters are not a single political bloc, and their support could matter in a tight Michigan contest. A Senate candidate also needs votes beyond the state’s major cities, including in rural areas.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Inside America’s ‘Arab Capital’ where families are divided as state that flipped for Trump could now snub one of their own amid growing fury with Abdul El-Sayed”.