In 19 of the last 25 elections, whichever presidential candidate won Michigan also won the election.

That is an astoundingly high win rate and demonstrates why candidates spend an enormous amount of time on the campaign trail in the Great Lake state.

As of right now, Michigan is in a dead heat. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are tied in Michigan polls at 48%. This state will likely decide the election and Trump may be more confident than Harris.

Before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and before Harris took over as the Democratic nominee, Michigan held a primary election on Feb. 27. In this precursory election, more than 100,000 voters came together and voted “uncommitted” as a form of protest against America’s response to the Gaza conflict.

Dearborn, Michigan is the largest city in America with an Arab American majority at 55%. Of all eligible Michigan voters, only 4% are Arab American. This community is furious about the treatment of Palestinians by Israel and America’s endless Israeli support. The “uncommitted movement” mobilized a message to the current administration about their disgust regarding genocidal support. Despite a record-breaking protest vote, the Harris campaign has not separated itself from the Biden administration’s views on the war in Gaza.

The Dearborn community is aware that Michigan decides elections. Should the previously stated 4% of voters in Michigan decide not to vote for Harris, it will likely cost her a very close election.

It is unclear whether a new Trump administration would treat the war any differently. There are fears that he could help escalate the war, but communities like Dearborn are eager for something different than what has happened in the past year.