Test Day for the Democratic Party: Michigan and Missouri Primaries Become a Referendum on Israel

The Democratic primaries in Michigan and Missouri have become a referendum on the party's stance toward Israel. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, who demands an end to military aid to Israel, faces Haley Stevens, backed by AIPAC. In Missouri, Cori Bush attempts a comeback against Wesley Bell. The results will determine whether criticism of Israel has become a major electoral force.

The Democratic primaries in Michigan and Missouri, held today (Tuesday), have turned into a referendum on the party's relationship with Israel. At the center of both races is the question of whether sharp criticism of Israel and opposition to military aid have become a political advantage within the party, or whether the pro-Israel establishment can still halt the trend. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens are competing for the party's Senate nomination. El-Sayed, a progressive backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, demands an end to unconditional military aid to Israel and accuses it of committing genocide. Stevens, a moderate congresswoman supported by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Chuck Schumer, has received over $30 million in aid from AIPAC. She supports the security alliance but criticizes Netanyahu. In Missouri, Cori Bush, a former member of "The Squad," is trying to return to Congress against Wesley Bell, who ousted her in 2024. AIPAC has spent more than three million dollars to prevent her return. Polls show a sharp decline in Democratic support for Israel: the share of Democrats with a positive view of Israel fell from 59% in 2018 to 22% in May of this year. The results will influence the party's stance ahead of 2028.