Democratic Divisions Over Israel Surface in Michigan Senate Race
Disagreements over United States policy toward Israel have intensified as the Michigan Senate race enters its final stretch.
Divisions among Democrats regarding Israel have re-emerged at the center of the Senate race in Michigan as the midterm elections reach their final days. Representative Haley Stevens withdrew her endorsement of the party's primary winner, Abdul El-Sayed, and instead backed Republican Mike Rogers.
Stevens pointed to El-Sayed's statements regarding Israel as a primary reason for her decision. The split occurred just days before the election, highlighting an ongoing intraparty conflict that is expected to persist into the next Congress and as preparations begin for the 2028 presidential primaries.
Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, Democratic lawmakers and candidates have increasingly adopted harsher criticisms of the Israeli government. A poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College and released in May indicated that three-quarters of Democratic voters opposed United States economic or military assistance to Israel.
This shift has caused friction within the party. While a faction of Democrats argues for maintaining the traditional alliance with Israel and contends that certain criticisms have crossed the line into antisemitism, others advocate for a complete reassessment of foreign aid.
In Michigan, El-Sayed has advocated for ending American aid to Israel and asserted that the nation is not a true friend to the United States. He also secured backing from online commentator and prominent Israel critic Hasan Piker, whose support El-Sayed declined to disavow.
Following pressure from Stevens and Representative Josh Gottheimer, El-Sayed ultimately condemned an advertisement funded by an external group that blamed Israel for the rising cost of living in the United States. While stating he disagreed with the ad's content, he maintained his broader criticisms of the Israeli government.
The Jewish Democratic Caucus of Michigan chose to withhold its endorsement from El-Sayed. Some Jewish Democrats expressed concern that his rhetoric heightens community insecurity, whereas El-Sayed maintained that his dedication to Jewish safety matches his commitment to his own family.
This electoral battle illustrates a broader nationwide evolution within the Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives, which could welcome a larger contingent of lawmakers critical of Israeli policy. As potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination look ahead, figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jon Ossoff, and Cory Booker have demonstrated varying stances on the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel.