Michigan Democrats are facing internal strife as the 2026 U.S. Senate primary looms, with the Israel-Hamas conflict threatening to deepen divisions within the party. The contest to replace retiring Senator Gary Peters has drawn candidates with starkly different views on U.S. policy toward Israel, raising concerns about a potential proxy battle between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian factions.
Representative Haley Stevens, a centrist with a record of supporting Israel, has entered the race, joining State Senator Mallory McMorrow and progressive activist Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed, backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, has been critical of U.S. support for Israel and is expected to draw significant support from Michigan’s sizable Arab and Muslim communities. These communities expressed their frustration with the Democratic Party’s stance on the Gaza conflict during the 2024 election, where many voters cast “uncommitted” ballots in protest.
The potential for outside groups to influence the primary has heightened tensions. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has previously supported Stevens, leading to concerns that its involvement could alienate Arab and Muslim voters. One individual involved in the race warned that negative campaigning by AIPAC against El-Sayed could further fracture the party’s base.
Representative Debbie Dingell has cautioned against allowing the primary to become a battleground for external interests, emphasizing the need for unity to avoid a repeat of past electoral setbacks. The Democratic Party’s internal divisions over foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel, pose a significant challenge as it seeks to maintain control of a critical Senate seat in a key swing state.
