Dearborn’s ‘Abandon Harris’ movement flips to Trump on Election Day
The movement in Dearborn, Michigan to abandon President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris culminated in a surprising turn of events on Election Day, with the community throwing its support behind President-elect Trump. Mike Hachem, a leader of the Abandon Biden movement in Dearborn, explained that the decision was influenced by President Trump’s attention to the Arab and Muslim community, contrasted with Vice President Harris’s perceived neglect.
Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, it became evident that Dearborn played a crucial role in the outcome, as the city with the largest per capita Muslim population in the country made a statement by backing Trump. The dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict in Gaza led many Muslim Americans in Michigan to launch the Abandon Biden movement, resulting in a significant number of voters choosing to remain uncommitted during the Democratic primary.
Despite the discontent with Democrats, some members of the community hesitated to support Trump due to his policies during his first term, including strong support for Israel and travel restrictions targeting Muslim-majority countries. However, Hachem and others in Dearborn took it upon themselves to change perceptions by forming the Arab Americans for a Better America PAC and conducting outreach and advertising efforts in support of Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump garnered support from Muslim leaders in the state and ultimately won 42.5% of the vote in Dearborn, compared to Harris’s 36.2% and Green Party candidate Jill Stein’s 18.37%. This marked a significant shift from the 2020 election, where Biden received overwhelming support from the city. Trump also secured victory in nearby Dearborn Heights, further highlighting the changing political landscape in the region.
Hachem emphasized that the Arab and Muslim population in Dearborn saw Trump’s presidency as a recognition of their presence and contributions to the nation. The attention and acknowledgment from Trump were seen as a positive step forward, solidifying their decision to support his re-election bid.
In conclusion, the political dynamics in Dearborn reflect a nuanced shift in voter sentiment, with the Arab and Muslim community playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the election. The decision to support Trump was driven by a desire for recognition and representation, signaling a new chapter in the relationship between the community and the political establishment.
