Minnesota’s Somali American Community Navigates Politics and Faith Ahead of the 2024 Election

Minnesota’s Somali American Community Navigates Politics and Faith Ahead of the 2024 Election

In Minnesota, a shift is unfolding among the state’s Muslim and Somali American communities. These groups are engaging in discussions about their political affiliations, religious beliefs, and the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Surprisingly, some members are beginning to express a newfound openness to the Republican Party and its former leader, Donald Trump.

Historical Context of Somali American Political Alignment

Historically, many Somalis have aligned themselves with the Democratic Party. Salman Fiqy, a prominent Republican voice within the Somali community, outlined this transformation. He noted that the initial wave of Somali immigrants arrived in the U.S. during the late 1990s, deeply engaging with political processes during the Barack Obama administration.

“Somalis were inherently Democrats,” Fiqy explained, pointing out that disillusionment grew as they perceived a decline in their interests under Democratic leadership. The sense of disappointment has led to shifting loyalties.

Key Issues Influencing Somali American Voters

For many Somali Americans, education stands out as a crucial concern. Fiqy emphasized the adverse effects of certain progressive agendas on families. He stated, “The LGBTQ agendas pushing towards kids, where we tend to have big families, we value kids. We see things from a conservative lens.” This perspective resonates strongly within the community.

Recent data highlights a significant decline in support for the Democratic Party among Somali Americans since Joe Biden’s election in 2020. In the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, known for its sizable Somali population, support for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris plummeted by 14 points.

The Somali American Experience in Minnesota

Minneapolis is home to approximately 25,000 Somali Americans, many of whom fled their country’s civil strife. The Cedar-Riverside area has historically welcomed immigrants from various backgrounds, but today, it has become primarily a hub for Somali residents. This neighborhood now boasts numerous businesses, including a uniquely Somali shopping center known as the Karmel Mall.

Fatmata, a business owner in Karmel Mall, highlighted a common sentiment among Somali Americans regarding their children’s upbringing. Despite acknowledging Trump’s controversial policies, she noted that many community members prioritized their children’s values when making voting choices.

The Diverse Opinions Within the Community

The Somali community exhibits a spectrum of political views. Fatmata, who identifies as a Black Muslim, shared that her interactions with Somali Americans often revolve around mutual values. She emphasized that many had to grapple with difficult choices, weighing their children’s future against political realities.

According to Fatmata, “One of the main issues with Muslims voting for Trump is related to their religious values, which they felt were increasingly under threat. They perceived a shift too far left that did not align with their conservative beliefs.” This theme echoed throughout her conversations.

Contrasting Views of Local Business Owners

Opinions among business owners in the Karmel Mall varied substantially. While some expressed clear support for Trump based on his pro-business policies and tax cuts, others, like a pharmacist, voiced outright opposition. A Cedar Pharmacy employee lamented the disconnect, stating, “I don’t think any Somali person, including me or my family, supported him. There’s no commonality between Trump and the Somali community.”

Conversely, another local business owner asserted that the community collectively leaned towards Trump, claiming they felt represented in the electoral process. He remarked, “I see everybody all together in the community vote for the candidate.” This reflects the complexity of Somali American political engagement.

The Impact of Trump’s Rhetoric

Much has been written about Trump’s rhetoric and its impact on immigrant communities. While many Somali Americans have expressed discontent over his statements on deportations, this has not universally deterred their support. Fatmata explained, “We recognized the implications of voting for him, understanding his stance on immigration while considering what we felt was best for our families.”

As the election approaches, Somali Americans continue to grapple with these contradictions. Their choices are deeply influenced by a myriad of factors, reflecting the broader quest for identity within the American political landscape.

Faith in Politics

The intersection of faith and politics remains pivotal for the Somali community. Many see aligning their values with their political choices as crucial. Fatmata articulated the inner conflict, stating, “Do we vote for him to protect our children’s religious values, or do we sell out our children’s upbringing?” This profound dilemma illustrates the stakes perceived by voters.

Ultimately, members of the Somali community find themselves at a crossroads, balancing political affiliations with their faith and community values. The upcoming election promises to be an essential moment for these voters as they navigate the complex interplay between identity, belief, and political allegiance.

A New Political Landscape

As Minnesota’s Somali Americans reflect on their political journeys, their stories emerge as a microcosm of broader national trends. The decision to engage with the Republican Party, driven by concerns around family values and education, signals a potential shift in voter behavior.

This evolving narrative highlights the importance of understanding the diverse factors impacting political choices within marginalized communities. For Somali Americans, the upcoming election offers an opportunity to redefine political identity based not solely on past affiliations but on shared values and future aspirations.