US Election 2024 Special | S4 E11 | Guests: Suzanne Akhras and Dr. Ahmed Ghanim

This week on The Ray Hanania Radio Show, we discuss the upcoming elections with local state candidates from the Arab American community, exploring their issues and challenges. We will also examine how the Middle East conflict is impacting their campaigns. A YouGov poll co-sponsored by Arab News shows that for most Arabs and Muslims in America, the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon is a major concern. The Arab community appears divided between Democrats and Republicans, though a large majority may support a third-party candidate like Dr. Jill Stein. Without Stein in the race, the poll suggests it would be a close call between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with a slight lean toward Trump.

My first guest today is Democrat Suzanne Akhras, running for the Illinois House 82nd District, a seat that became vacant in December 2023, with a Republican appointed to fill the vacancy. Akhras is a passionate advocate committed to driving positive change and upholding shared values. She is focused on ensuring women’s access to reproductive healthcare, expanding mental health resources, advocating for community safety, and reducing gun violence. Visit her campaign at www.SuzanneforIL.com.

We will also speak with Dr. Ahmed Ghanim, a Democrat and former candidate for Congress in Oakland County, Michigan’s 11th District. Dr. Ghanim was invited to a Michigan meeting organized by Kamala Harris’s campaign to build support among Arab Americans. However, after being admitted, he was unexpectedly escorted out by security without explanation. Although the Harris campaign later apologized, this incident created an awkward moment, challenging her campaign’s efforts to regain Arab American support in Michigan, a swing state.

Find more information about me on ArabNews.com or at www.Hanania.com