Independent US congressman Justin Amash is considering a third-party run for President in 2020 if the Libertarian Party nominates him at the end of next month.
Mr Amash, who represents a Michigan district, is the son of immigrants. His father, Atallah, emigrated to the US as a Christian Palestinian refugee, while his mother, Mimi, is from Syria.
On Tuesday, Mr Amash, a former Republican, announced he would form an exploratory committee to run for president.
He will have a long shot at winning the presidency, but his platform could appeal to independents or Republicans who are opposed to US President Donald Trump and see no alternative in Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
"We're ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our constitution and bring people together," Mr Amash said on Tuesday.
"I'm excited and honoured to be taking these first steps towards serving Americans of every background as president."
But for his run to become official, Mr Amash has to be nominated by the Libertarian Party convention being held in Texas at the end of May.
Libertarians call for the protection of civil liberties, end of government surveillance, non-interventionist foreign policy, and a smaller role for government in economic and tax policies.
Mr Amash, 40, won his seat as a Republican in 2011 but left the party last July and voted to impeach Mr Trump in December.
He does not shy away from his immigrant roots.
When congresswoman Ilhan Omar claimed in 2019 that newly elected Rashida Tlaib was the first Palestinian American in Congress, Mr Amash corrected her.
“My father is Palestinian and I’ve been in Congress since 2011,” he said.
He faces a steep climb before running and it is unclear how his entry will tip the balance between Mr Biden and Mr Trump.
While some Republicans could see in Mr Amash an alternative to Mr Trump, he could take away independent votes from Mr Biden.
The election will be held on November, 3.
