Michigan: Anti-Israel Muslim Candidate Leads, but Could Cost Democrats Dearly

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive and anti-Israel candidate, leads the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan over Haley Stevens, with a 10-15% advantage in polls. However, polls show he trails Republican nominee Mike Rogers in the general election, while Stevens is tied with him. The race reflects an internal battle over attitudes toward Israel, as El-Sayed demands an end to military aid and accuses Israel of 'genocide'.

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive and anti-Israel candidate, holds a significant lead over his Jewish rival Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, one day before the vote. Recent polls give him a 10 to 15 percent advantage, a development that could deal a major defeat to AIPAC. However, polls for the November general election show El-Sayed trailing Republican nominee Mike Rogers, while Stevens is tied with him. The race reflects an internal battle over attitudes toward Israel: El-Sayed demands an end to military aid to Israel, accuses it of 'genocide' and 'apartheid', and challenges its definition as a Jewish state. Stevens supports continued aid, rejects the accusations, and backs a two-state solution. In the last debate, El-Sayed accused Stevens of voting against canceling aid in exchange for AIPAC's support, calling the aid 'the worst use of our tax dollars'. AIPAC has invested about $30.6 million in supporting Stevens, its largest investment in a single race in the current cycle. El-Sayed may compensate for his deficit with enthusiasm among young people, Arab Americans, and progressives, but his positions on Israel, immigration, and abolishing ICE will provide Rogers with political ammunition.