The American Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein is considering three prominent advocates for Palestinian rights, including two Arab Americans, as potential vice presidential candidates, her campaign has confirmed. The announcement of the vice presidential candidate will take place during a livestream rally on Thursday, according to Stein’s campaign.
The candidates under consideration include Abed Ayoub, the director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC); Amer Zahr, a Palestinian American activist; and Jacqueline Luqman, a journalist and activist. All three have been vocal critics of Israel’s policies as well as the United States’ unwavering support for the war in Gaza. Stein, who is a physician and activist, has long been a strong supporter of Palestinian rights.
Having one of these three on the ticket could enhance Stein’s chances of appealing to a significant group of dissatisfied voters who have grown angry with the established Democratic Party’s stance on Israel. Although Stein’s campaign is seen as a long shot—given the dominance of Republican and Democratic parties in U.S. politics—a substantial portion of votes can potentially influence the election outcome.
Stein’s supporters hope that her candidacy can broaden the conversation about Gaza and amplify voters’ concerns regarding U.S. policy. Featuring a Palestinian advocate on the ticket could also compel Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, to address the growing frustrations surrounding President Joe Biden’s unconditional support for Israel.
Even with a small percentage of votes, Stein’s campaign could make a significant impact on the election, especially in the swing state of Michigan, which has a sizable Arab and Muslim American population. Both Ayoub and Zahr hail from Michigan. Ayoub expressed that it is “important” for Stein to consider Palestinian rights advocates as her vice president. “This is a critical time. This is a time when people are witnessing genocide with their own eyes. There is no hiding it,” he said. Zahr added that it would be a “smart choice” to have an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights as vice president.
As democracy is under pressure and international attention shifts toward the consequences of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has caused many deaths and created a humanitarian crisis, the issue of support for Israel may become a central factor in the upcoming election.
Stein’s campaign represents an alternative for voters dissatisfied with the two established parties. “We are not forced to only vote for candidates who are guaranteed to win,” said Luqman. Ayoub and Zahr emphasized the importance of voters having the right to create change through their votes, even if it means choosing third-party candidates like Stein.
In light of the Middle East’s complexities and the current societal challenges, Stein’s candidacy and the issues she raises could resonate with many voters in the upcoming election campaign.