Harris is the Best Choice for Muslim Voters

Salman Bhojani, with contributions from Ali Arwani

As Muslim Americans, we stand at a crossroads in this election, with many eyes on us as a potentially decisive demographic. Our choice carries implications not only for our community but for the course of global events. While I unequivocally condemn the horrific violence of Hamas’ October 7th attack and the taking of hostages, Israel’s response—indiscriminately taking civilian lives, erasing whole communities, and abandoning previous interest in a ceasefire—has wiped out generations of Palestinian families who wanted only to live in peace. For Muslims, this isn’t a distant issue; it’s deeply personal. Family, friends, and roots bind us to these regions, and the echoes of these policies are heard in our communities across the United States every day.

In response to these troubling policies, many Muslim Americans are understandably frustrated by the unconditional U.S. support for Israel in this conflict, leading some to consider third-party candidates—or, puzzlingly, even Trump. Yet in this climate, we must choose a practical option for representation and accountability. I urge my fellow Muslims to see the Harris-Walz ticket as that path forward, one that ensures our voices are heard and, crucially, helps prevent the devastation of another Trump administration.

I understand that many of you are considering Jill Stein, and I’m not here to shame anyone for their vote—or their choice not to vote at all. If Trump wins, that responsibility lies with the Democratic Party’s inability to mobilize us, and I’ll push back against any blame placed on Muslim voters. Yet, I believe voting for Stein is a misstep. The reality is, our winner-takes-all system simply isn’t built for third parties to succeed on a national scale. Take the 1992 election as an example: voters dissatisfied with both parties turned to Ross Perot, who, despite winning 19% of the popular vote—a feat Stein is unlikely to match—still earned zero Electoral College votes.

There is material risk in voting for a third party. Supporting Stein, however well-intentioned, could inadvertently raise Trump’s chances. The stakes are simply too high for that gamble. I welcome a conversation about the restrictions of a two-party system, but that kind of change won’t come from a protest vote—it requires engaging in sustained advocacy at the local level, supporting reforms like ranked-choice voting, nonpartisan primaries, independent redistricting, and, critically, building momentum in between election cycles.

Trump’s foreign policy record is alarming. By moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and legalizing West Bank settlements, he shattered international consensus, escalating tensions. He even used “Palestinian” as an insult for Biden, revealing his disregard for Palestinian identity and struggles. His withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal—a diplomatic achievement that had brought a measure of balance to the region—only fueled further instability. A second Trump term would  threaten the delicate balance in the region, likely worsening these issues, and putting Palestinians, Americans, and the broader region in an increasingly precarious position.

Domestically, Trump’s past actions give a troubling glimpse of what another term could bring. Within days of taking office, he enacted the Muslim Ban—one of the most overtly discriminatory policies in recent memory. Entire nationalities, predominantly Muslim, were banned from entering the U.S., dangerously conflating innocent Muslims with terrorists and undoing years of work by activists across America who have built understanding and fought stereotypes. Though it was ultimately overturned by the courts, we can no longer expect that backstop to protect us after Trump’s four years of judicial appointments.

Many of you, like myself, know what it was like to grow up in a post-9/11 world, where American Muslims were unfairly viewed with suspicion and painted as outsiders. We worked hard to dismantle those stereotypes and foster understanding, but Trump’s agenda threatens to undo that progress. So let me ask you: do you want to relive that?  Do we want our children and community to live in a world where being Muslim makes them targets? Trump’s policies undermine the democratic principles that protect our right to fair representation. We cannot let him drag us back into an era of fear and discrimination.

As the first Muslim elected to the Texas Legislature, I can personally attest to the difference it makes when we hold these positions. When I first entered politics, I faced Islamophobia head-on; my identity as a Muslim was used against me, and stereotypes were weaponized to discredit my work. But since then, I’ve been able to  combat those stereotypes by working across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation here in Texas—like the bill I passed ensuring no exams are scheduled on Eid (among other holy days) so students can pray and celebrate with their families. It’s in these roles that real change happens, where stereotypes are dismantled, and critical conversations are held.

So why support Kamala Harris? While the Biden-Harris administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East has been deeply flawed, they have taken meaningful steps to include Muslims in government—a necessary move to ensure our voices are heard. Unlike Trump, who appointed known Islamophobes like Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, and Sebastian Gorka, Harris has supported the appointment of actual Muslim leaders. The administration appointed Lina Khan as Chair of the FTC, nominated Dilawar Syed as Deputy Administrator of the SBA, and named Rashad Hussain as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, among others. These actions matter because they bring Muslim perspectives into decision-making, preventing echo chambers that often leave our interests unaddressed. Securing our representation at home is essential for advocating on behalf of Muslims worldwide,confronting injustices, and advocating for peace in our global community.

Voting for Harris isn’t about settling; it’s about choosing a practical path that can advance our interests while preventing a far greater threat. I urge Muslims to recognize the power of having a seat at the table and the importance of preventing Trump from returning to the White House. Let’s vote for Kamala Harris and move forward with a plan to make meaningful, achievable change.

Salman Bhojani has represented District 92 (Tarrant County) in the Texas House of Representatives since 2023. He was the first South Asian and Muslim elected to the Texas Legislature.