New York — Democratic Divisions over Israel Threaten Party Unity
As Democrats aim to regain their footing by prioritizing affordability, a schism over Israel policy is emerging that could fracture their unity. Polling indicates a decline in national support for Israel, prompting congressional challengers across the nation to target long-time pro-Israel incumbents in a bid to galvanize left-leaning voters. However, this surge of primary challenges could drain resources, blur party messaging, and lead to bruised candidates just as they approach crucial general elections.
Pro-Israel Democrats are urging their supporters to mobilize swiftly against this wave of challengers. Mark Botnick, a former advisor to ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, criticized the Democratic Party’s handling of the situation, stating, “The centrist Democratic Party is doing a terrible job managing this whole process. While it’s acceptable to critique Israeli policies, opposing the very existence of the Jewish state crosses into antisemitism. The party has utterly failed to make that distinction.”
Next year’s midterm elections are particularly crucial for Democrats, who need to secure just three additional House seats and four Senate seats to regain control of Congress. With pro-Israel incumbents facing challenges in states like New Jersey and New York, and primary races heating up in Michigan and Illinois, there’s a palpable tension within the party. They are eager to sidestep chaotic primary battles as they strive to reclaim power in a narrowly divided House.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is also gearing up early, looking to identify incumbents who may need reinforcement as the primary landscape takes shape. AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann remarked, “Our 6 million grassroots members recognize the stakes in the upcoming midterms, which is why they are motivated to help elect pro-Israel candidates and defeat their adversaries.”
Similarly, the Democratic Majority for Israel’s political action committee has already endorsed 26 Democratic House incumbents, marking a proactive approach to what they deem a “critical moment for the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
The rise of primary candidates opposing Israel complicates the Democrats’ path to victory, even as recent victories in Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey suggest a more favorable political landscape. The stark divide over Israel has become increasingly evident, especially following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. This has left many Jewish Democrats concerned about what they perceive as a rise in antisemitism among far-left candidates inspired by Mamdani’s success in New York City.
In New Jersey, AIPAC-supported Rep. Rob Menendez is likely to face a challenge from Mussab Ali, a former school board president with a strong online presence. Ali has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, echoing sentiments similar to those expressed by Mamdani shortly after the conflict escalated.
The ongoing Democratic Senate primary in Michigan serves as another microcosm of the party’s shifting attitudes towards Israel. A three-way contest pits a pro-Israel incumbent against a former supporter of the “uncommitted” movement advocating for a Gaza ceasefire and a progressive lawmaker who has distanced herself from Israel.
Tensions surrounding the Middle East crisis are also evident in the Democratic primary battles in Illinois, where diverse Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Muslim communities reside. The Senate race to replace retiring Democrat Dick Durbin reflects these tensions as well.
New York City, home to the largest Jewish population in the country, is buzzing with left-leaning challengers eager to unseat pro-Israel incumbents such as Reps. Dan Goldman, Grace Meng, Ritchie Torres, and Adriano Espaillat. Notably, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, endorsed by Mamdani, is set to challenge Goldman, promising a high-stakes intraparty battle over Israel policy.
If these challengers succeed, they could reshape a Democratic Party that has historically supported Israel since its inception in 1948. Some party officials express concern that such shifts may already be insurmountable, particularly in light of the war that has left Israel politically isolated. These challenges also highlight the growing political clout of Muslim populations in various regions across the nation.
Foreign policy disputes have historically divided Democrats. Opposition to the Iraq War helped Barack Obama distinguish himself, while pro-war Democrats like Hillary Clinton saw their popularity wane as the war became a liability. The current climate surrounding Israel — marked by increasing leftist hostility — has stirred deep emotions among Democrats who are witnessing these developments with apprehension. Jewish political leaders are particularly anxious about the long-term implications for Israel and Jewish communities in the U.S. as political dynamics continue to evolve.
David Weprin, a state lawmaker from Queens, expressed confusion over the left’s growing anti-Israel sentiment, stating, “I grew up seeing Israel as a progressive, democratic nation. It’s disturbing to see this shift.”
Michigan stands out as a particularly contentious battleground, where varying views on Israel are creating turmoil within the state’s Democratic landscape. As Democrats seek to reconnect with Arab American voters who leaned towards Trump in the last election, the stakes are high. In Michigan’s prominent Senate primary, Rep. Haley Stevens, a pro-Israel candidate backed by the establishment, is also in the mix. She has publicly committed to supporting Israel’s security and ensuring humanitarian aid flows to Gaza. Her opponents, however, have taken a more critical stance on Israel, with Abdul El-Sayed labeling the Gaza conflict a genocide, a position later adopted by state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
As this primary season unfolds, it will serve as an early gauge of how effectively Michigan Democrats can re-engage with Muslim voters, particularly those historically aligned with the party but who may have shifted their support in recent elections.
“The politics around Israel-Palestine have changed dramatically over the last few years,” noted a Democratic strategist familiar with Michigan races. “Moving forward, it’s increasingly about candidates’ core beliefs rather than merely claiming support for a two-state solution.”
Tensions over Israel are also surfacing in Illinois, where two House races and the Senate contest are being influenced by these dynamics. In the race for Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s seat, candidates span the ideological spectrum, with names like Daniel Biss, a left-leaning suburban mayor, and Kat Abughazaleh, a Palestinian-American social media influencer, in the mix. The district encompasses a diverse population and has become a focal point for discussions around Israel.
Meanwhile, in the district currently held by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, candidates Junaid Ahmed and Yasmeen Bankole have made Gaza a central issue in their campaigns, challenging the more moderate former Rep. Melissa Bean.
In New Jersey, Menendez seems to be navigating complex waters, balancing his support for Israel with a call for more inclusive dialogue, even criticizing colleagues for Islamophobic rhetoric. He stated, “I look forward to discussing my record, which includes advocating for hostages’ release and humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
As support for Israel wanes, Ali believes that adherence to pro-Israel politics could become a liability for incumbent Democrats. “Politicians who think they can rely on talking points will be exposed,” he asserted. “We’re witnessing a shift where AIPAC’s influence is being challenged.”
Mamdani’s rise has sparked a wave of far-left challenges to established Democrats throughout New York City, with numerous candidates eyeing pro-Israel Democrat Dan Goldman. In the Bronx, former Democratic Committee Vice Chair Michael Blake has centered his campaign on opposing Torres’ pro-Israel stance.
The current political landscape marks a stark reversal from the 2024 cycle, when moderate Democrats, bolstered by AIPAC funding, actively sought to unseat anti-Israel lawmakers. The Democratic Majority for Israel PAC had invested over $11 million in various races, achieving an 80% success rate for its endorsed candidates. In the suburbs of New York City, Rep. George Latimer successfully unseated incumbent Democrat Jamaal Bowman in a heated race that prominently featured discussions around Israel.
Latimer, recently endorsed by DMFI, anticipates further left-wing primary challenges fueled, in part, by opposition to Israel. However, prominent Jewish leaders in New York question the efficacy of this approach, suggesting that voters are primarily focused on economic issues — a strategy effectively capitalized on by Mamdani.
“Everyone wants to be Zohran Mamdani, but there’s only one Zohran Mamdani,” remarked David Greenfield, former city council member and current head of The Met Council, a Jewish charity. “His victory wasn’t driven by Israel; it was about affordability.”
