A new exit poll highlighted by Al Jazeera shows a striking reality: Muslim voters across the United States turned out in large numbers and overwhelmingly backed Democratic candidates in last week’s elections.
According to the survey conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Muslim support for key Democratic candidates reached levels rarely seen in modern American political history.
In New York, 97 percent of Muslim respondents voted for Democratic Socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. In Virginia, 95 percent backed Ghazala Hashmi, who successfully won her race for lieutenant governor. More moderate Democrats, including Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill, each secured around 85 percent of the Muslim vote.
Across the board, Muslim voters demonstrated a unified and decisive electoral presence. Even California’s Proposition 50, which approved a congressional map favoring Democrats, won 90 percent support from Muslim voters according to the poll.
CAIR’s survey of 1,626 Muslim voters concluded that turnout was exceptionally high. The organization praised the results, saying:
“American Muslims are showing up, speaking out, and shaping the future of our democracy.”
This show of strength comes despite or perhaps because of a spike in Islamophobic rhetoric, especially in New York’s gubernatorial race, which saw former President Donald Trump endorse Andrew Cuomo and embolden anti-Muslim messaging from several Republican commentators.
But one thing is clear: Muslims voted. Muslims showed up. And Muslims made their voices heard.
Yet the significance of this moment goes far beyond the ballot box.
Voting Is Only the First Step – Muslim Civic Engagement Must Expand
The record turnout and unified voting bloc illustrate a significant shift: American Muslims are becoming increasingly politically conscious, organized, and ready to advocate for their interests. But voting, while essential, is only one part of a healthy civic life.
For Muslims to secure long-term political influence and to shape policies affecting their communities, participation must extend into every arena of civic engagement.
Representation Matters, And It’s Growing
CAIR recorded 76 Muslim candidates running in the recent elections, 38 of whom won. In places like Michigan, majority-Muslim cities such as Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Hamtramck elected Muslim mayors.
This is a promising trend, but it is only the beginning.
More Muslims entering public service means:
- A stronger voice on civil rights and anti-discrimination policies
- Greater visibility and normalization in American political life
- A counterbalance to harmful stereotypes and narratives
Electoral victories should inspire more Muslims to consider running for office, whether at the school board, city council, or congressional level.
Civic Engagement Must Continue Between Elections
While Muslim voter turnout was impressive, other forms of engagement must increase, such as:
- Contacting local, state, and federal officials
- Attending town halls and community meetings
- Participating in policy advocacy
- Volunteering for civic and community initiatives
Consistent engagement ensures that Muslim communities are not only heard during election cycles but also influence policy outcomes year-round.
Combatting Islamophobia Requires Visibility
The Al Jazeera/CAIR report made a crucial point: Muslims showed up “in the face of anti-Muslim bigotry.”
That civic courage matters.
Islamophobia thrives when Muslims are invisible or politically disengaged.
Visibility on the ballot, in public forums, in activism, and in civic life is a powerful antidote to prejudice.
Youth Engagement Is Key to Long-Term Power
Muslim youth are increasingly becoming politically active, socially conscious, and willing to mobilize around issues such as civil rights, racial justice, immigration, and human rights.
Educating young Muslims about civic life, encompassing not just voting but also public service, advocacy, and leadership, will shape the community’s political future for decades.
Why This Moment Matters
The CAIR poll highlights something deeper than electoral statistics: Muslims are becoming a decisive force in American politics.
Their votes influenced gubernatorial races, ballot measures, congressional outcomes, and mayoral elections.
Their candidates won.
Their communities mobilized.
But the bigger story and the one that truly matters is that Muslims are stepping into their civic power at a time of immense political polarization and rising bigotry.
Sustained engagement can transform this surge of political participation into lasting structural influence.
For Muslim communities, this election is proof of one thing: When Muslims participate, they shape outcomes. When they organize, they shift narratives. And when they engage beyond the ballot box, they build lasting political power.
Citation
This article draws on reporting from:
Al Jazeera “US Democrats recovered support from Muslim voters, poll suggests” (Nov. 10, 2025).
