Muslim and Somali Americans in Minnesota: Shifting Political Allegiances
In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, a noticeable shift in political preferences has emerged among Muslim and Somali American communities in Minnesota. While traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, many within these communities have expressed a newfound affinity for the Republican Party and former President Donald Trump.
Roots of Democratic Alignment
During the Obama era, the first wave of Somali immigrants to the United States became politically engaged. As Salman Fiqy, an outspoken Republican and Trump supporter, explains, they "saw themselves aligned with Democrats." This alignment stemmed from shared values and experiences, including a focus on social justice and economic empowerment.
Disillusionment with Democrats
However, over time, the Democratic Party’s perceived drift away from these values has alienated some Somali Americans. Fiqy argues that "things have changed for the worse with the Democrats," citing concerns about education and the LGBTQ agenda.
Trump’s Appeal
Trump’s conservative policies and rhetoric have resonated with some Somali Americans, particularly on issues such as education and immigration. Fiqy claims that many of them voted for Trump despite his controversial baggage.
"The top issue was education," Fiqy says. "The LGBTQ agendas pushing towards kids, where we tend to have big families, we value kids and… We see things from a conservative lens."
Religious Values as a Driving Force
Religious values also play a significant role in the political choices of Muslim and Somali Americans. Fatmata, a copy practitioner who identifies as Muslim and interacts closely with the Somali community, states that "one of the main issues with Muslims voting… for Trump, is because of issues that align with their religious values."
Specifically, some Somali Americans felt that the Democratic Party had moved too far to the left on social issues, such as LGBTQ rights. This prompted them to vote for Trump even though they recognized his flaws.
The 2020 Election and Beyond
Trump gained support among Muslim voters in the 2020 election, outperforming his opponent Kamala Harris. In Minnesota’s Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, which has a large Somali immigrant population, support for Harris dropped by 14 points compared to previous elections.
This trend is expected to continue in the 2024 election. While some Somali Americans remain skeptical of Trump, others are drawn to his conservative policies and his perceived alignment with their religious values.
Conflicting Perspectives
Despite the overall shift towards the Republican Party, there are still mixed views within the Somali American community. Some, like the pharmacist at Cedar Pharmacy, believe that Somali Americans have nothing in common with Trump and that they do not support him.
However, others, such as Salah, the owner of Barakalaa Somali Cuisine, acknowledge that some within the community did indeed vote for Trump.
Conclusion
The political landscape for Muslim and Somali Americans in Minnesota is evolving. While the Democratic Party has traditionally been their political home, Trump’s conservative policies and rhetoric have gained traction among some members of these communities. Religious values and concerns about education and immigration have played a significant role in shaping their voting preferences. As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how these trends will continue to unfold.
