Two looming primaries will test pro-Israel Democrats’ role in the party
The race for Michigan Senate and Missouri's 1st District has turned into referendums on the Democratic Party's once unwavering support for the longtime U.S. ally.
Two upcoming Democratic primaries in Michigan and Missouri are set to test the role of pro-Israel Democrats within the party. In Michigan, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has spent a record $30 million to support Rep. Haley Stevens against the "uncommitted" movement backed by Abdul El-Sayed. Meanwhile, in Missouri, AIPAC is investing $2 million to oppose Israel-critical Cori Bush in her bid for re-election.
This development comes after AIPAC poured $9 million in the previous cycle to unseat Bush. AIPAC spokesperson Patrick Dorton maintains that pro-Israel Democrats "are here to stay," but Michigan state Rep. Noah Arbit warns that a loss for Stevens and Rep. Wesley Bell could signal a significant shift in the Democratic Party, casting doubt on the future role of pro-Israel Democrats.
The races reflect growing discomfort within the Jewish community over the party's support for Israel, with nearly 60% of Democrats expressing this sentiment in a June AP-NORC survey. Both candidates have been accused of being aligned with AIPAC and Israel, with El-Sayed emphasizing the importance of differentiating criticism of the Israeli government from that of Judaism and the Jewish people.
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