Muslim Voters Overwhelmingly Support Democrats in Recent US Elections

Muslim voters across the United States showed strong support for Democratic candidates in last week’s elections, according to a new exit poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The survey highlights a resurgence of Muslim voter engagement after concerns over President Donald Trump’s policies in 2024.

In New York, 97% of Muslim respondents said they voted for democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on issues including anti-Islamophobia and social equity.

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Strong Democratic Wins Across Multiple States

The CAIR survey also revealed robust backing for other Democratic candidates:

• Virginia Senator Ghazala Hashmi: 95% of Muslim voters supported her in her successful bid for lieutenant governor.
• Democratic Congresswomen Abigail Spanberger (VA) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ): Around 85% Muslim voter support in gubernatorial races.
• California’s Proposition 50, approving a congressional map favoring Democrats: 90% support from Muslim voters.

The survey included 1,626 self-identified Muslim respondents, indicating high turnout and political engagement.

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Responding to Islamophobia

The election in New York also drew attention for a spike in Islamophobic rhetoric, particularly from Republican lawmakers and commentators, following Trump’s endorsement of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

CAIR emphasized that Muslim voters are actively responding to anti-Muslim bigotry:

“Across four states, Muslim voters demonstrated remarkable engagement and commitment to the civic process, casting ballots that reflect their growing role as active participants in American life.”

The group added that the results highlight an encouraging trend of civic participation, proving that engagement, not prejudice, defines the nation’s strength.

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Recovery of Muslim Support for Democrats

The survey suggests that Democrats are regaining support among Muslim voters who had abandoned the party in 2024, largely due to perceived strong US support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.

CAIR noted that in the recent elections, 76 Muslim candidates ran for office, with 38 victories, including mayoral wins in Michigan suburbs such as Hamtramck, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights.

Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, several Muslim candidates, including Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, are vying for congressional and Senate seats.

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Key Takeaways

• 97% of New York Muslim voters backed Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
• 95% of Virginia Muslim voters supported Senator Ghazala Hashmi.
• Muslim voters are re-engaging with Democrats after the 2024 elections.
• High participation seen despite Islamophobic rhetoric in some races.
• 38 Muslim candidates won offices nationwide, including mayors in Michigan.