Democratic primary elections in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are serving as a test case for whether progressive candidates can win in competitive states. In Michigan and Wisconsin, these contests are testing whether growing criticism of US support for Israel and backing for Palestinian rights can lead to electoral success for progressive candidates.
Michigan Senate and Congressional races
In Michigan, physician and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed is seeking the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Senator Gary Peters. El-Sayed, who has described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, has argued that the US should end military aid and arms sales to Israel. An El-Sayed victory would make him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. The Democratic nominee in this race will face former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in November.
Representative Haley Stevens has described herself as a 'proud pro-Israel Democrat,' arguing her record makes her the strongest candidate to retain the battleground Senate seat for Democrats in November. Groups supporting Stevens have spent more than $50 million, including over $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and affiliated organizations.
In Michigan's open 11th Congressional District, attorney and former prosecutor Aisha Farooqi is competing against state Senator Jeremy Moss, former Ford executive Don Ufford, and school board member John Paul Torres. Farooqi's platform includes Medicare for All, universal childcare, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Farooqi has described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and pledged not to accept campaign contributions from AIPAC, its affiliated organizations, or other special-interest political action committees. 'My allegiance belongs to the American people, not foreign interests,' Farooqi said.
State Senator Jeremy Moss has denied receiving backing from AIPAC and accused opponents of mischaracterizing donations from Jewish constituents as part of a political conspiracy. As of July 15, Farooqi raised approximately $421,000, while Moss raised roughly $1.49 million.
Wisconsin gubernatorial contest
In Wisconsin, state Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is a leading candidate in the Democratic gubernatorial primary scheduled for Aug. 11. Hong, a former chef and the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Assembly, is facing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as her principal rival.
Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes withdrew from the Wisconsin gubernatorial race after Hong moved ahead in recent polling. Hong has described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and called for the repeal of a Wisconsin law that bars state agencies from contracting with companies that boycott Israel.
Amount raised by Francesca Hong following appearances with commentators Hasan Piker and Michael Beyer.
Shifting American perspectives
Shifting public opinion provides context for these races. A Pew Research Center survey found that favorable views of the Israeli government fell from 41% to 32%. Additionally, a Pew Research Center survey found that 42% of Americans viewed Israelis unfavorably, compared with 28% in 2019.
According to an AP-NORC poll, 40% of Americans believe Washington is too supportive of Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians, up from 27% before Oct. 7, 2023. Among Democrats, 58% believe Washington is too supportive of Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians.
