Amer Ghalib, the mayor of a city in the key battleground state of Michigan, has stated that Donald Trump is the “right choice” for the upcoming election, despite having some disagreements with the Republican candidate.

The mayor of the only U.S. city with an all-Muslim government has made waves by endorsing former President Donald Trump for the upcoming presidential election, igniting a flurry of discussions around political identity, community values, and the implications for local and national politics.

Amer Ghalib, who leads Hamtramck, Michigan—a pivotal battleground city—declared on Sunday that Trump is a “man of principles” and “the right choice,” despite recognizing some differences in their viewpoints. In a detailed Facebook post, Ghalib stated, “President Trump and I may not agree on everything, but I know he is a man of principles. While the outcome of the election is uncertain, I believe he is the right choice for this critical time. I won’t regret my decision, no matter what happens, and I’m prepared to face the consequences.”

Ghalib’s endorsement is particularly striking given Hamtramck’s historical significance. The city, with a population of around 28,000, made headlines in 2021 when it elected an all-Muslim City Council and a Muslim mayor for the first time in U.S. history. This landmark achievement reflects the city’s vibrant and diverse community, which includes a strong Arab-American population and a rich cultural tapestry shaped by immigrants.

Ghalib, who immigrated to the U.S. from Yemen at 17, met Trump shortly before his endorsement during a town hall event in Flint, Michigan. During their discussion, they focused on addressing issues that matter to Arab and Muslim Americans, with Trump actively seeking Ghalib’s endorsement. Ghalib expressed optimism about Trump’s approach, indicating that he believes the former president could address the needs of his constituents better than other candidates.

Michigan is one of seven crucial swing states that could determine the outcome of the election. Polls indicate a tightly contested race, with recent averages showing Harris leading Trump by 50% to 47%. This is significant in light of Michigan’s history; Trump won the state in 2016 against Hillary Clinton, marking the first Republican victory there since George H.W. Bush in 1988. However, President Joe Biden reclaimed it for the Democrats in 2020, winning by approximately 150,000 votes.

Ghalib’s endorsement also comes at a time of rising dissatisfaction among Muslim-Americans towards the Biden administration, particularly due to its support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This tension poses a significant challenge for Democrats, especially in battleground states where every vote matters. A recent poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations revealed that only 12% of Muslim voters in Michigan support Harris, while 18% back Trump, and 40% favor Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

Moreover, the grassroots campaign Uncommitted National Movement announced on Thursday that it would not endorse Harris, criticizing her team for failing to respond to a request for a meeting with families of Palestinians killed in Gaza by the September 15 deadline. This growing discontent among Muslim voters could have serious repercussions for Democratic candidates in close races.

Ghalib’s endorsement not only reflects his personal political beliefs but also underscores the complexities and diversities within the Muslim-American community. His support for Trump raises critical questions about the alignment of political ideologies, community interests, and the evolving landscape of American politics as the November election draws closer. As Ghalib himself stated, “Now, let the Caravan begin its journey. This is just the starting point.” His endorsement could signal a broader shift within certain segments of the community as they navigate the intricacies of political allegiance in a polarized climate.