The Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) made a bold decision on Monday, announcing that they will not endorse either Democratic vice president Kamala Harris or Republican former President Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential elections. This is a first for the AAPAC since its establishment in 1998, as they usually endorse Democratic candidates.
The AAPAC cited the candidates’ “blind support” for Israel in the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon as the reason for their decision. Arab and Muslim Americans, who largely supported President Joe Biden in 2020, have voiced their opposition to US backing of Israel, leading to a potential shift in their voting preferences.
The AAPAC emphasized their refusal to support candidates who endorse what they refer to as “genocide in Gaza and war in Lebanon.” With Trump and Harris both being vocal supporters of Israel, their chances with Arab and Muslim American voters are at risk.
While some groups, like Emgage Action, have backed Harris, urging voters to prioritize the greater threat posed by Trump, others have advocated for abstaining from voting for either candidate due to their stance on Israel.
Ultimately, the AAPAC’s stance reflects a growing dissatisfaction within Arab and Muslim American communities over US foreign policy in the Middle East and the candidates’ positions on the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.