Michigan's Arab American Community Shifts Support, Moves Away from Rogers Amid Trump Backlash

The 2024 election saw Donald Trump's popularity soar among Michigan's Arab American community, a demographic that played a pivotal role in his victory in the state. However, a shift in sentiment has now taken place, with many in the community expressing growing dissatisfaction with the Republican Party and its policies. This shift could have significant implications for Senate control, as former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers vies to retain the gains made under Trump against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, whose parents are Egyptian immigrants.

Once seen as a key ally in the fight against the Islamic State, the Arab American community's support for Trump has waned due to the ongoing war in Iran and the slow peace process in Gaza. These issues have sparked frustration among voters, leading to a growing skepticism towards the Republican Party's promises and policies.

Albert Abbas, a community member who presented a peace prize to Trump during his 2024 visit to Dearborn, Michigan, expressed his disillusionment. "Trump promised to make America great again," Abbas said. "Did he do that? Did he put American interests first? It's the complete opposite."

Michigan Republicans, who once aimed to build sustainable support among the Arab American population, now find themselves struggling to regain traction. Hassan Nehme, the Michigan Republican Party's vice chair during the 2024 cycle, lamented the loss of ground. "Once the administration got into the White House, everything we were told kind of flip-flopped," Nehme said. "We lost all traction. Republicans are kind of dead in the water in the area right now."

The change in sentiment has not gone unnoticed by community leaders. Dearborn-based Imam Husham Al-Husainy, who initially backed Trump in 2024, now supports El-Sayed. "Trump recanted on his promise for 'no new wars,'" Al-Husainy said. "That's why I'm supporting El-Sayed."

Similarly, Amer Ghalib, a former Democratic mayor of Hamtramck, also endorsed Trump in 2024 but now regrets his decision. "Republicans 'should be more concerned about losing the long-term trust of the Arab American community than about losing the gains they made in 2024,'" Ghalib said.

Faye Nemer, who leads the Dearborn-based Middle Eastern and North African American Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments. "The midterms will mark a 'change in sentiment' in my community toward Republicans," Nemer said. "Many voters, including myself, are now asking whether the policy promises we received bear any resemblance to the reality that we're seeing on the ground."

Rogers has not shied away from attacking El-Sayed, branding him as a Muslim extremist. He has slammed El-Sayed for campaigning with Hasan Piker, a prominent and controversial left-wing influencer, and for his response to an attack on a Michigan synagogue earlier this year. El-Sayed has condemned antisemitism throughout his campaign and apologized for his remarks following the synagogue attack.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has also targeted El-Sayed, releasing an ad calling him by his full name, Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed. Trump has weighed in as well, calling the country "seeing jihadists being elected all over the place."

Despite these efforts, the Arab American community appears to be shifting its support away from the GOP. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the implications of this shift could be significant, potentially impacting the balance of power in the Senate.