Can Muslims Play a Key Role in American Elections?

Muslims represent a small yet growing part of the American population. However, despite their increasing numbers and engagement in politics, they remain largely overlooked in the broader context of U.S. elections. While Muslim Americans constitute roughly 1.1% of the U.S. population, concentrated in states like Michigan, Texas, California, and New York, they face unique challenges that prevent them from wielding substantial political power. Take the case of Michigan, home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country; despite high voter turnout in cities like Dearborn—where Muslims have played a role in shaping local policies—their influence on national outcomes remains minimal. In the 2020 election, Muslim voters turned out in significant numbers, contributing to record-breaking turnout among minority groups, but this still did little to shape critical foreign policies affecting Muslim communities globally.

It’s crucial to understand that both major political parties—the Democrats and Republicans—have demonstrated policies that conflict with core Muslim values. For instance, despite Muslim advocacy against the travel ban, support for Palestinian rights, and condemnation of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and Lebanon, U.S. policies have often disregarded these issues. From continued military aid to Israel to bipartisan support for actions that undermine Muslim-majority regions, Muslim Americans have seen their efforts to influence these stances largely fall on deaf ears. This makes it imperative for the Muslim community to choose its battles wisely in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, focusing on localized, winnable objectives rather than overarching national policies.

Democrat vs. Republican: No Perfect Ally for Muslim Americans

Muslim voters have historically leaned toward the Democratic Party, particularly in the years following 9/11, when issues like civil rights, social justice, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and immigration reform found strong resonance within the Muslim-American community. For example, the repeal of the Muslim Ban in 2021 by the Biden administration was welcomed as a positive step in reversing policies that targeted Muslims specifically. However, this alliance is far from straightforward. While Democrats champion values of equality and human rights, their foreign policy stance often diverges from the core concerns of Muslim Americans. Take, for instance, the U.S.’s continued military aid to Israel —despite the ethnic cleansing and genocidal crimes it is committing in Palestinian territories and the occupation of East Jerusalem. Or consider the lack of a firm response on issues like the conflict in Kashmir, where the call for justice and self-determination has often been met with a tepid response or silence from key Democratic leaders.

Meanwhile, a significant minority of Muslim voters align with the Republican Party, drawn to its conservative social values, pro-business stance, and emphasis on religious freedom. For many, the GOP’s focus on family structure, morality, and entrepreneurship mirrors Islamic principles. For example, the Republican stance against abortion and support for traditional family values resonate deeply with some Muslims. However, this support comes with its own set of challenges. The GOP’s hawkish foreign policy stance has historically been at odds with the interests of many Muslim-majority countries, with strong ties to pro-Israel lobbies and military interventions in regions like the Middle East. A glaring example is the 2017 “Muslim Ban” under the Trump administration, which prohibited travel from several Muslim-majority countries and alienated many potential Muslim allies. This move laid bare the fragility of any political alliance between Muslims and the GOP, illustrating that policy agreements on social issues often come at the cost of overlooking broader civil rights and international conflicts affecting Muslims globally.

Key Issues for Muslim Voters: Choosing Battles Wisely in 2024

As the 2024 presidential elections approach, Muslim voters face a pivotal choice: identifying and prioritizing the issues where their voices can drive tangible change. Given their relatively limited political influence on the national stage, Muslim Americans must strategically focus on causes that can make a real difference.

One of the top concerns is fighting discrimination and anti-Muslim sentiment. Despite some progress, both major parties have fallen short of protecting the civil rights of Muslims, often using Islamophobia as a tool for political gain. For example, after 9/11, both Democrats and Republicans enacted policies that targeted Muslim communities, from the Patriot Act to surveillance programs in mosques and Muslim neighborhoods. More recently, anti-Muslim rhetoric in political discourse has surfaced across party lines. This makes it crucial for Muslims to rally around candidates who not only offer strong civil rights protections but also address Islamophobia as a human rights issue, not just a political talking point.

Foreign policy remains a deeply personal issue for many Muslim voters, particularly concerning Palestine and Kashmir issues. Historically, both Democratic and Republican administrations have supported policies contributing to the ethnic cleansing, systemic oppression, and displacement of Palestinians. For instance, despite campaigning on values of equality and human rights, both parties have continued to provide military aid to Israel, enabling policies that further conflict in the region. Understanding this, the Muslim community needs to press candidates to adopt positions that align with justice and human rights for all, recognizing that change may be gradual and require strategic alliances beyond party lines.

However, the focus shouldn’t solely be on international issues. Muslim Americans need to emphasize policies that directly affect their daily lives, such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. A notable example is the growing number of Muslim-owned small businesses that require equitable access to financial resources and support, which often gets lost in broader economic policies. Supporting candidates who present real, actionable solutions to social and economic issues, regardless of party affiliation, is crucial to improving the quality of life for Muslim families.

Building political power is a marathon, not a sprint, and it extends beyond presidential elections. Muslims need to form coalitions, build alliances, and nurture leadership within their communities. For instance, grassroots efforts in states like Michigan have demonstrated how local advocacy can lead to significant political wins, from school board decisions to city council policies that reflect the values and needs of Muslim communities. By focusing on local elections—school boards, city councils, state representatives—Muslim Americans can influence decisions on education, policing, and public services more directly. This localized approach not only fosters accountability but also enables Muslims to see and experience real change, laying the groundwork for a stronger political presence nationwide.

The Reality: Limited Clout but Critical Choices

The reality is that Muslims in America lack the numbers and political capital to single-handedly sway national elections. However, this doesn’t mean their influence is insignificant. By making informed choices and backing candidates who genuinely align with Islamic values, the Muslim community can shape policies that benefit not just Muslims but the broader American public. Instead of being loyal to any single party, the goal should be to advocate for meaningful change and ensure that their concerns are acknowledged.

The upcoming 2024 elections represent a crucial moment for American Muslims. It’s not just about voting for Democrats, Republicans, or Independents—it’s about leveraging each vote to push for policies that align with values of justice, equality, and respect for human rights. For example, in recent years, Muslims in states like Georgia and Michigan have demonstrated how a united and informed voting bloc can significantly influence local and state elections, leading to the election of officials who better represent their values. While both major parties have supported policies affecting Muslim-majority regions negatively—most notably in Palestine—it is essential for Muslim voters to critically evaluate each candidate’s position on core issues, rather than being swayed by party platforms or rhetoric.

The way forward lies in building a strategic, united voting bloc that can make its voice heard on key issues over time. This requires not only unity but also a clear, long-term vision that focuses on policies benefiting the community. For instance, Muslim advocacy on issues like affordable healthcare, social justice reforms, and equitable economic policies can align with broader American interests, making it easier to find common ground with other communities and allies. Building alliances with other marginalized groups and working together toward shared goals can amplify the impact of Muslim voices in the political arena.

Ultimately, as Muslim Americans head to the polls, they must choose their battles wisely, remain realistic about what can be achieved, and use every opportunity to push for justice and positive change. While the journey to greater political influence is a marathon, not a sprint, consistent, strategic action can help grow the Muslim vote into a force that not only speaks loudly but is also respected in American politics. With unity and a focus on advocacy for policies that reflect Islamic principles, the Muslim community can work toward creating a future where their voice plays a significant role in shaping the nation’s direction.