Harris endorsement Muslim voters/ Emgage backs Harris/ Muslim voter group endorses Harris/ Newslooks/ LANSING/ MICHIGAN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President Kamala Harris secured the endorsement of Emgage Action, one of the largest Muslim American voter groups, despite tensions over her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the group expressed disagreement with Harris’ policies on Gaza, it emphasized the importance of defeating Donald Trump. The endorsement is seen as pivotal in key battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Harris Gains Major Muslim Voter Group’s Endorsement Amid Middle East Conflict: Quick Looks
- Emgage Action, a prominent Muslim American voter mobilization group, endorsed Kamala Harris for president, citing the need to prevent Trump’s return.
- The endorsement comes amid tensions between Democratic leaders and Muslim groups over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Emgage Action acknowledged disagreements with Harris, especially regarding Gaza, but emphasized pragmatism in supporting her campaign.
- Harris’ domestic policies aligned with Emgage’s priorities, with hopes for a more balanced Middle East approach under her leadership.
- The endorsement is significant, especially in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where Emgage has a strong presence.
- Harris’ campaign welcomed the endorsement, stressing her commitment to ending the Gaza war while safeguarding the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Top Muslim Voter Group Endorses Harris Amid Mideast Conflict
Deep Look:
Vice President Kamala Harris has received a key endorsement from Emgage Action, one of the largest Muslim American voter mobilization organizations in the U.S., marking a significant development in her 2024 presidential campaign. This endorsement is especially notable given that many Muslim and Arab American groups have opted to support third-party candidates or refrain from endorsing altogether due to their dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s stance on the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict.
Emgage Action, based in Washington, D.C., operates in eight states and has strong voter outreach efforts in critical battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania. In a statement shared with the Associated Press on Wednesday, Emgage CEO Wa’el Alzayat emphasized the importance of preventing Donald Trump’s return to the White House. “This endorsement is not agreement with Vice President Harris on all issues, but rather, an honest guidance to our voters regarding the difficult choice they confront at the ballot box,” Alzayat said. He also acknowledged the group’s disagreements with Harris, particularly on her handling of the Gaza conflict, but underscored their pragmatic approach to the election.
The Middle East conflict has caused growing friction between Muslim American groups and Democratic leaders, including Harris. Many within these communities are disillusioned by the U.S. government’s support for Israel’s military response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, which claimed around 1,200 lives. The ongoing offensive, which has resulted in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians according to the Gaza Health Ministry, has prompted some Arab and Muslim groups to withhold their endorsements or shift support to third-party candidates.
In recent days, Israel expanded its air campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with bombings killing more than 560 people. This marks the deadliest bombardment since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, fueling further unease within the Muslim community.
Despite these tensions, Emgage Action ultimately found common ground with Harris on domestic policies, including issues important to Muslim Americans. Alzayat described the decision to endorse Harris as “excruciatingly difficult,” explaining that months of internal discussions and outreach with Harris’ campaign led to the endorsement. The group remains hopeful that, if elected, Harris will approach the Middle East conflict in a more balanced way.
Emgage Action’s endorsement also highlights the stark contrast between Harris and Donald Trump, particularly on issues related to the Muslim community. Trump’s controversial “Muslim ban,” which restricted immigration from several Muslim-majority countries, remains a key reason for Emgage’s opposition to his candidacy. The group warned of a return to Islamophobic policies under a second Trump administration.
Harris’ campaign welcomed the endorsement, with campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez acknowledging the pain and loss felt by Muslim and Arab American communities amid the ongoing conflict. In a statement, Rodriguez reaffirmed Harris’ commitment to bringing the Gaza war to an end, ensuring security for Israel while protecting the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.
Harris’ challenge lies in balancing her domestic agenda with international conflicts, particularly in maintaining support from key voting blocs like the Muslim and Arab American communities. Her efforts to address both economic and humanitarian concerns while providing a pragmatic leadership vision resonated with Emgage Action, even as disagreements on foreign policy persist.
With the endorsement from Emgage Action, Harris gains an influential ally that could boost her voter turnout efforts in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where Muslim voters could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2024 election. While the endorsement does not signal full agreement, it reflects a strategic choice aimed at advancing the group’s broader political goals.
