North Carolina Democrats passed a sweeping resolution Saturday declaring Israel guilty of genocide and apartheid, demanding a full halt to U.S. military aid. The move aligns the party with growing anti-Israel sentiment on the left but sets up a high-stakes political battle for state and federal seats in the 2026 elections.
The resolution, adopted by the State Executive Committee, calls for an embargo on U.S. weapons, military support, and logistics until human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch declare Israel no longer an apartheid state. It also blames Israel for attacking civilians, religious sites, and aid workers while using American weapons under the label of “self-defense.”
This new position directly challenges America’s longstanding alliance with Israel, dating back to 1948. While Israel remains a vital strategic partner in the Middle East, North Carolina Democrats are testing a radical shift, influenced by younger progressives and widespread anti-Israel demonstrations following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.
Governor Josh Stein and the state’s congressional Democrats have remained silent on the resolution. Key party officials—Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Education Superintendent Mo Green—have also not commented publicly.
The resolution references Gallup polling indicating that 59% of Democrats support Palestinians and claims that dissatisfaction over Israel policy was a major factor in voter drop-off for President Joe Biden in 2024. It also cites 62% support among young Democrats for an arms embargo.
However, the resolution risks alienating moderate and older voters in a state where Democrats have steadily lost ground. In 2004, Democrats held nearly 48% of voter registrations; today, they’ve fallen to just over 30%, trailing unaffiliated voters and nearly tied with Republicans. GOP candidates have dominated federal races in recent years, winning five consecutive U.S. Senate contests and carrying the state in every presidential election since 2008, except that year.
While Democrats still hold the governorship and other Council of State offices, Republicans have solid momentum at the federal level. With all 170 legislative seats, a U.S. Senate seat, and 14 House seats on the ballot in 2026, the resolution’s impact on moderate and independent voters could prove decisive.
