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Arab Americans have long been an integral part of the cultural and political fabric of metro Detroit, contributing to the region’s identity and shaping local elections.

From Dearborn to the heart of Detroit, the Arab American community has influenced Michigan’s growth and political dynamics. However, as the political landscape evolves, a key question arises: Is there a solid political home for Arab Americans? And if so, where do they fit in today’s polarized environment?

For decades, Arab Americans have been a reliable voting bloc for the Democratic Party, especially in areas like Dearborn. However, in recent years, many have begun to question their loyalty to the Democrats. The catalyst for this shift has been growing dissatisfaction with the party’s stance on key issues, particularly its support of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This evolving political identity is creating uncertainty about the future of Arab American influence in Michigan’s elections.

Today on The Metro, we explored the political future of Arab Americans in Michigan and across the country. Are they finding common ground with the Republican Party, or do their political views span beyond the traditional party lines? The shifts in the community’s political engagement could significantly affect Michigan’s elections in the coming years.

As national and local elections approach, the political leanings of Arab Americans will play a crucial role in shaping Michigan’s political future. Their evolving political identity is fluid, shaped by a range of factors, but one thing is clear: their impact on the state’s political landscape will only grow stronger.

Guests:

• Hassan Nehme:  Organizer for Michigan’s Republican Party.
• James Zogby: President and co-founder of the Arab American Institute. Longtime leader of the Democratic Party 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

More headlines from The Metro on March 20, 2025 : 

• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s decision to file criminal charges against 11 pro-Palestinian demonstrators on University of Michigan’s campus has angered some of her supporters, with critics calling it an infringement on free speech. Amir Makled, one of the attorneys representing the demonstrators pro bono, joined the show to share the latest developments in the case.

• Many American Jews feel deeply uncomfortable criticizing Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. American Jewish author and liberal journalist Peter Beinart says that’s because Jewish identity is tied to uncritical support of Israel. He hopes to change that in his new book, “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza.” Beinart spoke with WDET All Things Considered Host and reporter Russ McNamara about this and more.

• Detroit author Donald Goines penned 16 books before being mysteriously killed alongside his wife in their Highland Park apartment, and their murders remain unsolved. Now, a new documentary is exploring Goines’ life, death and cultural impact. Executive Producer Craig Gore, and King Tape Productions Founder Robert “Tape” Bailey both joined the show to talk about the film’s progress and Goines’ impact on their work.

• The Detroit Tigers Opening Day is on Friday, April 4, but the team has been getting ready at their spring training home in Lakeland, Florida. The Tigers have an 89-year history with the Florida city — the longest of any team in Major League Baseball. To discuss this long standing connection, Florida history professor James Michael Denham joined the show.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills last week to raise Michigan’s minimum wage and guarantee sick leave for workers.

The hourly rate will rise to $15 in 2027 for everyone except people who earn tips. They will get 38% of the minimum wage in 2025. That will grow to 50% in 2031 and then be capped at that rate. If their combined wages and tips don’t add up to $15/hour, their employers will make up the difference.

More: Michigan House passes minimum wage bill

A companion law guarantees all workers paid sick leave. How much they earn depends on how many hours they work and the size of their employer. Workers at large companies will get 72 hours of paid sick leave. Those who work at small firms will receive 40 hours.

Bipartisan deal comes together at the last minute

Michigan’s divided Legislature worked together to enact the new policies. Senate Democrats and House Republicans compromised to ensure bipartisan support.

Had they not acted by Feb. 21, a Michigan Supreme Court order would have implemented a 2018 ballot petition. That proposal raised the minimum wage for all workers to almost $15/hour, including those who earn tips. It also would have guaranteed everyone the same amount of paid leave.

The Republican-led Legislature adopted the petition but then weakened it in a way justices ruled was illegal.

Rep. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown Twp.) voted for the compromise.

“I do support a higher minimum wage,” she said. “It’s very hard to expect that a minimum wage job is going to support a family.”

But Thompson also says those jobs were never meant to support families.

“I feel like they were intended for students or people working toward getting a better job.”

She also says many companies already pay workers more than the minimum wage.

“I know a lot of single moms out there that are raising kids on their own,” she said. “They would never be able to pay their bills and not be homeless if they were just working less than 40 hours a week at a minimum wage job.”

Thompson also says it was important to preserve a lower wage for tipped workers.

“We can get them making a little more hourly money, but they still keep their tips and business owners don’t go under,” she said.

Business groups who opposed the higher minimum wage argued before the vote that it would kill jobs and cause small enterprises to close. Years of economic research don’t support that claim, as shown here, here, and here.

Do new lawmakers relate to workers?

Republican support for raising the minimum wage reflects a policy shift within the party. Rep. Thompson says many newer GOP lawmakers are more sympathetic to working people.

“A lot more everyday citizens have gotten involved in politics because they’ve seen how the legislation is actually affecting their family, their business, their children,” she said. “We understand how hard it is to raise a family.”

Thompson was elected to the state House in 2022 and won a second term in 2024.