In a strategic move to bolster her presidential campaign, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has enlisted the expertise of Brenda Abdelall, an Egyptian-American lawyer and former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, to spearhead outreach efforts to Arab American voters. The appointment of Abdelall is seen as a targeted effort to engage with a community that has expressed frustration with the U.S. administration’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Harris, facing a competitive race against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump, is seeking to secure support from Arab and Muslim Americans—groups that played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory but have since grown disillusioned with the administration’s policies. Abdelall, who brings nearly two decades of experience in public policy, national security, and civil rights, will be tasked with addressing the concerns of Arab American voters. Her extensive background includes serving as Senior Counselor to the DHS Secretary and as Chief of Staff for the department’s Civil Rights Office. Abdelall’s expertise is particularly relevant as the Arab American community grapples with the implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially regarding the ongoing war on Gaza….
Kamala Harris Hires Egyptian-American Lawyer to Support Campaign
August 29, 2024
