American Muslim voters favor Jill Stein as Kamala Harris fails to condemn Israeli genocide in Gaza

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, a pro-Palestinian Jewish politician, has emerged as a significant contender in the 2024 US presidential race, where she competes against Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Stein is predicted to draw substantial support from Muslim voters, a shift that could impact the election outcome on November 5.

A recent poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) revealed that Stein nearly reached a tie with Harris among Muslim voters, garnering 40% of their support compared to Harris’s 41%.

The survey indicated Trump remains the least popular candidate with Muslim voters, securing only 10% of their support. This poll was based on responses from 1,449 verified Muslim voters.

This notable shift in Muslim voter preferences is largely attributed to Stein's strong condemnation of Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Her stance resonates deeply with voters prioritising US foreign policy on Israel and Palestine.

“The significant drop in support for major presidential candidates compared to 2020 and 2016 is almost certainly a result of community concerns regarding the genocide in Gaza,” CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert S. McCaw stated.

Key swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where large Muslim communities reside, may play a critical role in determining the election’s outcome.

Michigan, home to around 200,000 Muslims, could be pivotal, with Stein’s candidacy potentially posing a challenge for Harris and Trump.

Pennsylvania, with about 150,000 Muslim residents, also remains highly competitive.

This situation indicates that the Democrats may pay a steep political price for their support of Israel's military operations against defenseless Palestinians in Gaza.

Community members who traditionally supported the Democrats are now prepared to oppose Kamala due to the high death toll of 43,000 Palestinians in Gaza due to Israeli military offensive. 

Despite international human rights organisations condemning Israeli war crimes against Palestinian civilians, the Biden administration has continued to deny that a genocide is occurring in Gaza.

Since October 2023, the administration has provided $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel.

The overall Palestinian death toll since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza has reached at least 43,824 with more than 100,833 wounded. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

Many Muslim voters and leaders, while critical of Kamala Harris, also hesitate to endorse Trump, recalling his call for a “total and complete shutdown" on Muslims entering the country.

Who is Jill Stein?

Jill Stein, a former physician and environmental advocate, earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1979.

Stein gained prominence for her environmental activism and joined the Green Party in 2002, championing minority rights and sustainable policies.

In a recent interview, Stein discussed her stance on Palestinian resistance, stating, “Occupation will generate pushback, that’s just reality. People may not like it, but if you don’t like it, then address the underlying cause.”

She further said, “Hamas is just the latest form of resistance.”

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While speaking to the Middle East Eye, Stein was asked about her plans for the first 100 days in office if elected, Stein said, “I pick up the phone, and the genocidal war is over.” 

She emphasised her commitment to declaring a climate emergency and building a green economy, with investments in sustainable transport, energy, and housing initiatives to create jobs.