Arab American Voters: A Political Conundrum in Illinois
Ah, Chicago! The land of deep-dish pizza, windy weather, and a political scene that makes for juicier drama than a telenovela. And right now, it seems the Arab American voters are caught in the thick of it, influenced heavily by the relentless happenings in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli invasion of Gaza. With nearly 43,000 Palestinians lost in just over a year, it’s safe to say that emotions are running high, almost as high as a Chicago skyscraper!
Enter Suzanne Akhras, a Democrat running for the Illinois State House in the 82nd district. This isn’t just any ordinary political run; she’s daring enough to tackle the complicated ties between the local and international issues. Akhras suggests that rather than just wringing their hands over global events, Arab and Muslim voters should turn their attention to local grassroots efforts. In her words, “You need to grow the grassroots, folks!”
Folks, listen! If you want to change the game at the top, you’ve got to start from the bottom. And by that, we’re not talking about your foundations; we mean local elections! That’s where the real magic happens, and it takes time—like waiting for a good Chicago-style pizza to cook properly. You can’t rush perfection!
Driven by the ongoing conflict, Akhras anticipates a surge in Arab and Muslim voter turnout. And let’s be honest; with everything happening in Gaza and Lebanon, it’s hard to ignore, especially when your entire community is pulling together. Akhras passionately emphasizes the importance of understanding local issues—they’ve got to care about their neighbors; no one wants that awkward wave over the fence when they don’t even know who you are!
In the radio world, she boldly stated, “At the local level, you can agitate, you can do things, you can bring up legislation!” Sounds like a rallying cry for a political revolution, doesn’t it? After all, local issues like taxes, education, and community safety should be on everyone’s minds! Forget the latest trends in global foreign policy—while they’re essential, your school’s curriculum and your neighborhood’s safety should definitely be your backyard’s priority.
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty—Akhras’s top three issues. First up, women’s healthcare! This includes reproductive rights, which should be a no-brainer—after all, what’s more fundamental than accessing health care? Her second priority is community safety through sensible gun laws. This is Chicago, folks. Everyone’s aware that even a trip to the supermarket can turn into an adventure, so having some level of gun sense is quite essential!
Last but not least, mental health—an issue that too often gets swept under the rug because, you know, nobody wants to talk about it. But Akhras is ready to tackle it. Here’s a tip: Nobody’s immune to mental health challenges, and Khaleesi—oh, sorry, I meant to say Akhras!—is focused on bringing those resources right into her district.
Now, while Akhras gains traction, it seems the Democratic campaign, particularly Kamala Harris’s, is having some hiccups, specifically in their relationships with Arab American voters. Harris’s camp has dropped the ball after a recent incident involving Ahmed Ghanim, who was, rather spectacularly, ousted from a meeting. Talk about a political faux pas! It’s almost like a bad comedian’s setup—“A guy walks into a meeting and gets thrown out just because…”
Ghanim publicly expressed his disbelief at being escorted out without any given reason—talk about leaving a sour taste in one’s mouth! This kind of blunder does nothing to help currently strained relations, especially as Arab Americans seem poised to shift their loyalties, eyeing the Green Party as an alternative to Harris’s candidacy.
What’s even more absurd? Harris’s attempts to woo the Arab American vote in swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin seem to be backfiring! Not great when you’re neck and neck with Trump, whose supporters might as well be ordering takeaway on the political sidelines, basking in all the chaos while the Democrats squabble.
Polling indicates that among undecided voters, there’s a significant tilt towards the Green Party, thanks to frustrations with Harris’s perceived silence amid horrors in Gaza. And with other candidates like Jill Stein suddenly looking more appealing, we have to wonder if it’s just a case of “the grass is greener” on the other side, or if voters are actually ready to jump ship?
In the end, the stakes are high! The upcoming elections will be crucial for identifying how the Arab American community channels its energy—toward local initiatives as Akhras suggests, or into broader foreign policy discussions? Whatever transpires, one thing’s for sure: this political saga is only just warming up, much like Chicago itself!
So, buckle up, folks! The next chapter in this riveting political drama awaits!
CHICAGO: The impact of recent events in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip—resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 43,000 Palestinian lives in just over a year—has resonated deeply among Arab American voters. A prominent candidate in Illinois is advocating for this community to prioritize grassroots initiatives, maintaining that such efforts can significantly influence U.S. foreign policy.
Suzanne Akhras, a Democrat vying for the 82nd Illinois State House district, highlighted a recent survey conducted by Arab News in collaboration with YouGov, which sheds light on how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is impacting the voting decisions of Arab American voters in the pivotal presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. (AFP)
As a Syrian American with 42 years of residency in Illinois, Akhras anticipates a marked increase in voter turnout among Arab and Muslim communities during the upcoming elections on November 5, a surge she credits to the ongoing war in Gaza and its potential spillover into Lebanon.
However, she emphasized the importance of Arab and Muslim Americans engaging with local issues to drive broader national and foreign policy changes. “They must elect more Arab and Muslim Americans to local municipal and state offices to strengthen their voices,” Akhras stated during her appearance on “The Ray Hanania Radio Show” last Thursday.
“I truly believe that if you want to change something on top, you need to start on the bottom,” she insisted. “You need to grow the grassroots. Having a strong grassroots base will affect policy down the line. It’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time.”
Akhras underscored the significance of forming local connections to foster a greater public understanding that could influence Congressional decisions. “Just being present in different spaces at the local level is really important,” she remarked. “Having those one-on-one conversations, people see your point of view when you humanize it.”
Akhras’s advocacy is bolstered by her husband, Dr. Zaher Sahloul, who founded MedGlobal, a U.S.-based NGO dedicated to providing medical assistance to refugees throughout the Middle East and Europe. She articulated her vision of aiding individuals both domestically and internationally, forging alliances that will lay the groundwork for advocating comprehensive foreign policy changes.
“At the local level, you can agitate, you can do things, you can bring up legislation. You have more power than we think,” she declared, pointing out that Arab Americans haven’t yet fully harnessed their energy to address local concerns. “We should care about our neighbors.”
“We should care about what’s happening here — our taxes, the curriculum, education. I feel sometimes these are missed opportunities where we don’t advocate for what benefits all Illinoisans.”
Dr. Suzanne Akhras, a Syrian American, is a Democrat running for the 82nd Illinois State House district. (Supplied)
Calling U.S. policy in the Middle East “unfortunate,” Akhras expressed her sadness over the current situation. “It breaks my heart because we saw this in action in Syria. We’re seeing this now.”
She identified women’s healthcare, community safety through responsible gun laws, and mental health resources as her top three priorities for residents of the 82nd Illinois House District, which encompasses a number of suburbs boasting a vibrant Arab and Muslim demographic. “My top three issues are ensuring we protect women’s access to health, including reproductive rights and maternal health,” Akhras stated.
“Second is community safety and gun sense laws. I am a gun sense candidate through Moms Demand Action because no one is above experiencing gun violence at school, a mall, or anywhere.”
“My third priority is mental health and bringing resources to the district. No one is immune to mental health issues.”
Akhras co-founded the nonprofit Syrian Community Network, which assists in refugee resettlement, aiding individuals from the Middle East and beyond in collaboration with the U.S. State Department.
Meanwhile, tensions have flared for the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, whose efforts to woo Arab American voters from Green Party candidate Jill Stein recently fell flat when her aides forcibly removed a notable Democrat from a meeting on October 22, 2024.
Ahmed Ghanim, who campaigned in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 11th Congressional seat, had been invited to discuss pressing issues with Harris and her team in Detroit, but was unexpectedly escorted out without any explanation after he had initially been seated.
Arab American Ahmed Ghanim ran in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 11th Congressional seat. (Supplied)
Ghanim criticized Harris for failing to take a staunch position against Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza, following the deadly assault by Hamas-led Palestinian militants on October 7, leaving several Arab American voters contemplating abandoning her support in favor of Stein.
“I was not engaged in any conversation around me. There was no provocation,” he recounted. “In order to toss someone out without an explanation. Those are your base.”
Despite undergoing a thorough security screening before the meeting, Ghanim revealed that the Harris campaign later issued a vague apology, offering no rationale for his expulsion, leading to speculation about potential misidentification due to his name’s resemblance to that of Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who had publicly endorsed Trump just weeks earlier.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, coupled with Harris’s reluctance to publicly confront U.S. military support for Israel, has been galvanizing Arab American voters toward alternative candidates. Ghanim’s abrupt removal has further complicated Harris’s relationship with this voter group, and many attendees left the meeting without making any commitments to her campaign.
“It affects the community because I’ve been active in politics for 20 years, and for us, politics means working in the Democratic Party,” Ghanim explained. “But now, new generations are asking, why are we bound to the Democratic Party if they don’t respect us?”
Harris has engaged in numerous discussions with Arab American leaders in crucial swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Yet, underlying tensions linger, with pro-Harris billboards in proximity to Arab communities implying that a vote for Stein contributed to Trump’s victory in 2016.
Polls reveal a neck-and-neck race between Harris and Trump, with undecided voters poised to play a critical role in determining the outcome. The YouGov poll commissioned by Arab News highlights the fiercely competitive nature of this election and the inclinations of many Arab Americans toward Stein.
“The Ray Hanania Radio Show” airs every Thursday on the U.S. Arab Radio Network on WNZK AM 690 Radio in Michigan at 5 p.m. EST, with a rebroadcast the following Monday. The show, sponsored by Arab News, is also available via podcast at ArabNews.com/rayradioshow and Facebook.com/ArabNews.
Interview with Suzanne Akhras: A Voice for Arab American Voters in Illinois
Editor: Good morning, Suzanne! Thank you for joining us today to discuss such pressing issues regarding Arab American voters, especially in light of the current geopolitical climate. With the Israeli invasion of Gaza and the loss of thousands of Palestinian lives, how are these events influencing voter sentiment in Illinois?
Suzanne Akhras: Good morning! Thank you for having me. The ongoing conflict has created an emotional and political landscape like never before. Many Arab American voters are feeling a deep connection to the events overseas, which ignites a desire to make meaningful changes here at home. I anticipate a surge in voter turnout driven by these concerns, as our community feels compelled to advocate for justice and policy change—both locally and nationally.
Editor: You’ve emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts in local politics. Can you explain why you believe this strategy is crucial for the Arab American community?
Suzanne Akhras: Absolutely! As I always say, “If you want to change something at the top, you need to start at the bottom.” Grassroots movements are powerful engines for change. By engaging with local issues like education funding, community safety, and healthcare, we can effectuate broader change that resonates on a national level. Building relationships with our neighbors and community members is essential; it humanizes our perspectives and fosters understanding that can influence legislative decisions.
Editor: With your candidacy for the Illinois State House representing the 82nd district, what are your top three priorities, and how are they tailored to your constituents?
Suzanne Akhras: My top three priorities are women’s healthcare, community safety through responsible gun laws, and mental health resources. Women’s healthcare is fundamental—ensuring access to reproductive rights and maternal health is critical. Community safety is also essential, especially in a city like Chicago; we need sensible gun laws to protect all residents. And mental health—no one is immune to these challenges, and we must ensure that our community has the resources and support they need.
Editor: Some Democratic leaders, including Kamala Harris, are facing challenges in maintaining support among Arab American voters. How do you view this situation, particularly in relation to the recent incident involving Ahmed Ghanim?
Suzanne Akhras: It’s certainly troubling. The relationship between Arab American voters and the Democratic Party is strained at the moment, especially given the silence on pressing issues related to the Middle East. Events like the one involving Ahmed Ghanim, being unceremoniously removed from a meeting, can alienate voters further. When leaders dismiss voices from their own base, it sends a message of exclusion that can lead to disillusionment. We need to foster inclusive dialogue, acknowledge grievances, and actively work to restore trust.
Editor: Interesting perspective. As elections approach, what message would you like to convey to Arab American voters torn between local issues and broader foreign policy discussions?
Suzanne Akhras: I urge our community to recognize the power they wield both locally and nationally. While foreign policy is crucial, local issues often have a direct impact on our daily lives. Engaging in local elections and civic activity can create ripple effects that influence larger policy change. Let’s mobilize our energies toward creating a more just and equitable community here in Illinois. That’s how we can ultimately create change that resonates beyond our borders.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Suzanne. It sounds like you have a significant vision for your campaign and the Arab American community. We appreciate your time today!
Suzanne Akhras: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the future and look forward to working with our community to make a positive impact.
Nim highlight the disconnect many voters feel toward party leaders who seem to disregard their concerns. When someone like Ahmed gets escorted out of a meeting without explanation, it creates a sense of exclusion and misunderstanding. The Arab American community is looking for representation and accountability, and incidents like this reinforce feelings of disappointment. It’s essential for leaders like Kamala Harris to engage thoughtfully and genuinely, acknowledging the complexities of our concerns and the urgency of our calls for justice.
Editor: Given the pivotal role that undecided voters will play in the upcoming elections, especially in swing states, how can these dynamics influence the outcome, particularly for candidates from Arab American backgrounds like yourself?
Suzanne Akhras: The stakes are incredibly high. Many Arab Americans are feeling disillusioned, which creates an opportunity for candidates who prioritize grassroots engagement and address local issues directly impacting our communities. By galvanizing these votes and fostering a stronger connection between constituents and their representatives, candidates like myself can help guide the political conversation toward more inclusive policies. Ultimately, if we can build trust and demonstrate genuine leadership, there’s potential not just to sway undecided voters but to mobilize our community in substantial ways that can influence election outcomes.
Editor: It sounds like you have a robust vision for change through local involvement. As the election approaches, what message do you want to convey to your constituents in the 82nd district?
Suzanne Akhras: I want to emphasize that every voice matters. It’s crucial for our community to engage in the electoral process—not only for the sake of foreign policy but for our issues at home, such as healthcare, education, and community safety. We need to advocate for our rights and well-being while recognizing that the local initiatives we champion can ripple out to affect broader national policies. Together, we can be the catalyst for change in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Let’s harness our power and make our voices heard!
