Why Muslim Voters Feel Betrayed

Reflecting on the political awakening of American Muslim voters as they navigated betrayal and advocacy amidst the horrors in Gaza with Rep. Iman Jodeh, Colorado’s first Muslim state legislator.

Jonathan Woodward

November 19, 2024

Hopelessness, Genocide, and a Community’s Political Reckoning

Colorado state Rep. Iman Jodeh reflects on the political conundrums faced by Muslim voters amid the war in Gaza and a growing sense of betrayal by traditional political allies. Jodeh shares how her community channeled feelings of abandonment and anger into advocacy, pressing lawmakers for accountability and grappling with the hard choices of the recent election. From her unique position as the first Muslim and Palestinian legislator in Colorado, she offers insight into the resilience and determination required to demand justice in a fraught political landscape.

Keep RNS paywall-free

As an independent nonprofit, RNS believes everyone should have access to coverage of religion that is fair, thoughtful and inclusive. You can help keep our news and commentary free for all by becoming one of our supporters. And during our end-of-year fundraising campaign, your gift can go further: Starting Nov. 1, your donation will be DOUBLED, dollar for dollar, by a generous gift from our Board of Directors. Please consider chipping in today!

Deborah Caldwell, CEO and Publisher

Donate today

1	news For Arab Americans and Muslims in newly red Dearborn, a mix of defiance, ambivalence, fear
2	news Sean Rowe wants to realign the Episcopal Church
3	news In Tennessee's evangelical heartland, pastors say Trump's win won't solve America's woes
4	news At fall meeting, US Catholic bishops turn toward Pope Francis' agenda
5	news What evangelicals say they want from a second Trump term

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

	Saved by the City Divorce and Remarriage + Melissa Moore Katelyn Beaty and Roxanne Stone Katelyn and Roxy are joined by Melissa Moore who shares her own story of divorce recovery and how being divorced has affected her remarriage — for better and worse.
	Money Meet Meaning Give Treasure, Reap Reward: Jerre Stead Amber Hacker and Tom Levinson A former CEO of 10 public companies talks about the work and joy of giving.
	Complexified Why Muslim Voters Feel Betrayed Rev. Amanda Henderson Reflecting on the political awakening of American Muslim voters as they navigated betrayal and advocacy amidst the horrors in Gaza with Rep. Iman Jodeh, Colorado’s first Muslim state legislator.