DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Five days before the elections, Gov. Rick Snyder met with Arab American community leaders and businesspeople at the residence of businessman Ali Siblani in Dearborn Heights on Thursday.

Snyder discussed his campaign and his vision for the future of the state after a lunch with the attendees.

The governor praised Arab Americans for their roles in reviving the Michigan’s economy and stressed the importance of Arab American community to the prosperity of the region.

The Republican incumbent, who is a former Dearborn resident, has made efforts to reach out to the Arab American community this year. He visited the Arab American National Museum in July and met with member of The Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) at The Arab American News offices in September. 

Polls have indicated that the race between Snyder and his Democratic challenger Mark Schauer is tight, and undecided voters are expected to tip the balance in the elections.