Disillusionment with US foreign policy fuels increased Arab-American engagement in Virginia ahead of the 2024 elections

In Virginia, especially in areas like Northern Virginia and Prince William County, Arab and Muslim communities are becoming more politically active this 2024 US election.

They are speaking up about their concerns, with foreign policy — particularly the war in Gaza — emerging as a top priority.

Reem Khaldi, Vice President of the New Dominion PAC, an organisation that aims to build strong ties between the Arab American community and their elected officials, pointed out this change in a conversation with The New Arab.

She mentioned that in recent local meetings, “Almost 90% of the discussion was centred around Gaza, and voters are more focused on foreign policy than ever before.”

Supporting this trend, a survey by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of Muslim American adults are under 40 years old, compared to only 38% of the general US population.

This young demographic is significant for Arab and Muslim communities in Virginia, largely due to their prioritisation of issues like Palestine and the growing frustration with how both the Republican and Democratic parties have handled Israel's war on Gaza.

This dissatisfaction has led many voters in this community to consider third-party candidates like Jill Stein, as they seek alternatives that better represent their concerns and reflect their values.

Voices getting louder

Despite their growing engagement in the US elections, it’s important to acknowledge that the Arab and Muslim communities in Virginia still represent a small portion of the state’s overall electorate.

"Even if we don't change the results directly, our activism can influence candidates and parties to pay more attention to issues like Gaza. The political conversation is shifting, and we are part of that shift"

According to US Census data, Arabs and Muslims account for less than 2% of Virginia’s population.

As Reem admits, “Our community may not be large enough to swing the vote on its own, but our voices are getting louder, and the issues we care about are becoming more visible.”

Although their numbers may be modest compared to other states, their concentrated presence in Northern Virginia — a key Democratic stronghold — means their votes could significantly influence closely contested races.

Reem explained, "Even if we don't change the results directly, our activism can influence candidates and parties to pay more attention to issues like Gaza. The political conversation is shifting, and we are part of that shift.”

Virginia 'crucial in this election'

Reem also added that Virginia is part of a larger political movement that is increasingly seen as crucial in this election, particularly for the Democratic Party.

While there is some support for Kamala Harris, many in the community are dissatisfied with her campaign's response to Gaza.

Reem described a recent community meeting, saying, “The representatives from the Harris campaign were wishy-washy. They didn’t come across as strong or committed to addressing the Palestinian issue. People felt like they were just talking around the point.”

As Kamala Harris faces challenges in maintaining momentum and struggles in recent polls against Donald Trump, securing the votes of key minority communities, including Arab and Muslim voters in important states, has become even more crucial.

With Harris reportedly lagging behind Trump in several key states, the engagement of these communities could be vital for the Democratic ticket, especially as they seek to strengthen support in critical battlegrounds like Virginia.

Questioning American foreign policy 

The growing concerns of the Arab community about the handling of the war in Gaza are not limited to Virginia; they are part of a broader movement across the US, questioning how American foreign policy serves the interests of its citizens.

For example, Gaza was a major topic at the recent Arab Center conference in Washington, D.C., where Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), highlighted the growing political influence of Arab and Muslim communities in swing states.

Dalia explained the significant role foreign policy now plays in these communities' voting decisions, especially on issues like Gaza.

She stated, “For Arab and Muslim voters, foreign policy has become a top priority, more than ever before, with Palestine and Gaza at the centre of these concerns.”

Dalia added that third-party candidates are increasingly seen as viable alternatives by voters who feel let down by both major political parties.

Reflecting on voters’ growing concern for Gaza, Reem told The New Arab that the impact of Virginia's Arab and Muslim community might be more about symbolism and advocating for critical issues rather than just electoral outcomes.

As Reem emphasised, "The more we show up, the more our voices will be heard."

Samah Wattad is an investigative journalist and a Master's student in Communication at George Washington University, specialising in political communications. With over nine years of experience, her work focuses on politics, disinformation, and media influence