Muslim leaders from six crucial swing states in the United States have pledged to mobilize their communities against the re-election of President Joe Biden in 2024.
The decision stems from Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, these leaders have not yet endorsed an alternative candidate for the 2024 elections.
These six states played a pivotal role in Biden’s victory in the 2020 elections. The opposition from their substantial Muslim and Arab American communities could complicate Biden’s path to winning electoral college votes next year.
Jilani Hussein, director of the Minnesota branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated in a press conference in Dearborn, Michigan, “We have many options, not just two.” He clarified, “We do not support the former President Donald Trump. The Muslim community will decide how to engage with other candidates.”
The “Abandon Biden” campaign originated in Minnesota, where Muslim Americans urged Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza by October 31. It has since expanded to Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
US and Israeli officials have resisted calls for a permanent cessation of hostilities. Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated Biden’s stance that Israel has the right to defend itself.
Muslim Americans expressed that they do not expect better treatment from Trump if re-elected, but see withdrawing support from Biden as the only way to influence US policy.
It remains unclear if Muslim voters will collectively turn against Biden. However, even minor shifts in support could be crucial in states where Biden won by narrow margins in 2020.
