Harris campaign hires Egyptian American lawyer for Arab voter outreach

Source: Reuters

August 28, 2024 11:56 PM EDT Updated 6 hours ago


WASHINGTON, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Kamala Harris' campaign for U.S. president has hired an Egyptian American lawyer and former Department of Homeland Security official to help lead outreach to Arab American voters who hold sway in some states that could help decide the Nov. 5 election, the campaign said on Wednesday. Brenda Abdelall would be tasked with shoring up support from a community frustrated with U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza.

Vice President Harris, a Democrat, has already hired Afghan American lawyer Nasrina Bargzie for outreach to Muslim Americans. Harris is in a tight race with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Votes from Muslim and Arab Americans could help decide the outcome in battleground states like Michigan, which has seen street protests over the Israel-Gaza war.

U.S. President Joe Biden won a large share of the Arab and Muslim vote in 2020, but his support for Israel despite the huge death toll in Gaza has frustrated many community members. They launched an "uncommitted" campaign against him in the Democratic nominating contests.

Michigan, where Harris is due to visit next week, is home to one of the largest Muslim and Arab American populations in the United States. More than 100,000 voters cast their ballot "uncommitted" instead of Biden, who stepped aside as candidate on July 21, in the state's primary.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-campaign-hires-egyptian-american-lawyer-arab-voter-outreach-2024-08-28/