The Democratic Party’s debate over Israel is resurfacing, and Jewish Democrats are expressing concern that the outcomes could potentially drive them away from the party.
In Michigan, discontent with the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict in 2024 spurred the “uncommitted” movement. Now, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s main super PAC, United Democracy Project, has allocated an unprecedented $30 million—more than double its previous highest expenditure, as per AdImpact data—to prevent progressive Israel critic Abdul El-Sayed from defeating pro-Israel Rep. Haley Stevens in the state’s fiercely contested Democratic Senate primary.
Meanwhile, in Missouri, AIPAC is investing $2 million to thwart Israel-critical Cori Bush’s attempt at a political comeback. This follows their $9 million effort in the previous cycle to unseat her.
Sam Lauter, a founding member of Democratic Majority for Israel, remarked on the unease within the Jewish community. His group has endorsed Stevens and Bush’s opponent, Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), though it hasn’t spent on advertising.
Lauter noted that if El-Sayed and Bush succeed, “it does mean that my community is going to have to reassess how we’re approaching this battle, reassess our role in the party itself.”
Tuesday’s primaries could be decisive for pro-Israel Democrats. Organizations such as AIPAC and DMFI have engaged with Democratic primaries with varied outcomes. Progressives have secured victories in states like New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Illinois by leveraging voter dissatisfaction with Israel, displacing some long-standing pro-Israel incumbents, though not without setbacks in certain races.
Michigan and Missouri represent pivotal opportunities for progressives to establish a presence in the party before November. Should Stevens and Bell lose, some Jewish Democrats fear this could signal a significant shift in the Democratic Party, potentially altering the political landscape in the lead-up to a general election where control of Congress is at stake, leaving many pro-Israel Democrats politically adrift.
Michigan state Rep. Noah Arbit, founder of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, expressed discomfort: “It makes it very uncomfortable for elected Jewish Democrats like myself to wonder, when every other thing is about, you know, Israel and Jews, what’s my place in this party?”
Patrick Dorton, a spokesperson for United Democracy Project, asserted that pro-Israel Democrats “are here to stay.” He emphasized their determination to ensure pro-Israel perspectives are represented in the Democratic Party’s primary process.
The Michigan Senate race and Missouri’s 1st District contest have become referendums on the party’s historical support for Israel and AIPAC’s controversial role in Democratic primaries. Bush’s campaign has accused Bell of neglecting Missourians in favor of AIPAC, while El-Sayed has criticized Stevens for collaborating with AIPAC and Republicans to support military initiatives.
Bush’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Roxie Richner, spokesperson for El-Sayed’s campaign, stated that their focus is on uniting Michigan residents across diverse backgrounds to address issues like political financing, economic recovery, and healthcare.
These contests echo past internal disputes over Israel that have divided the Democratic Party, especially after the Israel-Hamas conflict. Nearly 60 percent of Democrats now perceive the party as overly supportive of Israel, according to an AP-NORC survey from June, up from 45 percent in January 2024.
Bell’s victory over Bush in 2024 was among AIPAC’s significant triumphs in the last cycle. In Michigan, Democrats critical of Israel criticized Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not prioritizing Gaza during their campaigns.
Andy Schor, mayor of Lansing, Michigan, and a prominent Jewish official, observed public dissatisfaction with the Gaza conflict and a perception that some candidates are anti-Israel.
Richner countered by emphasizing El-Sayed’s commitment to distinguishing criticism of the Israeli government from Judaism and the Jewish community. She stated his dedication to combating both antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The Michigan race serves as a critical test for pro-Israel Democrats in a pivotal state that could significantly influence the selection of the party’s next presidential nominee. Recently, the Democratic National Committee proposed Michigan as one of six early primary states in 2028.
Dennis Bernard, national chair of government relations for the Jewish Federation of North America, stated that an El-Sayed win would highlight a growing anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party, extending beyond traditionally blue states. Bernard supports Stevens in the primary.
However, Michigan’s Senate race has split the Jewish community. Some prominent activists support El-Sayed, including progressive Andy Levin, who lost a primary to Stevens in 2022, a contest influenced by rival pro-Israel groups J Street and AIPAC.
Levin believes El-Sayed sees his role as advocating for Palestinian rights in the U.S., shaping his political approach accordingly.
Arbit expressed resignation over Israel’s waning influence within the party, regardless of the primary outcomes. He doubts the emergence of a definitively pro-Israel candidate in the 2028 presidential primary due to prevailing grassroots sentiment.
Shia Kapos contributed reporting.
