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Israel’s Influence in Michigan’s Democratic Senate Primary

  • 2026年4月23日
  • Estimated read time 13 min read
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Michigan is currently at the center of internal conflicts within the American Democratic Party regarding Israel, cancellations of popular figures, a fiercely contested U.S. Senate primary, and the aftermath of efforts to suppress Pro-Palestine protests on college campuses.

Centrists’ Attempt to Enforce the Hasan Piker ‘Litmus Test’

The political landscape heated up a few weeks ago when the well-known Third Way organization attempted to discredit leftist influencer Hasan Piker.

Piker is a widely followed Twitch and YouTube streamer boasting nearly 5 million followers across platforms.

For those unfamiliar with Third Way, visual representations say far more than words can.

The centrist outlet, The Bulwark, eagerly supported the Third Way campaign, reporting extensively on it:

The organization’s president and communications director, Jonathan Cowan and Lily Cohen, co-authored a Wall Street Journal opinion article condemning Piker’s alleged “misogyny” and anti-Semitism, arguing that “there is no justification for prioritizing political loyalty over Jewish safety.” Tensions escalated last week when Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, announced that Piker would accompany him on college campuses. Subsequently, Cowan sent a letter to El-Sayed indicating it would tarnish his reputation if he went ahead with the rallies, especially following a recent attack on a Michigan synagogue. The letter contained six pointed questions:

  • Do you share Piker’s view that “America deserved 9/11”?
  • Do you believe there’s much to learn from the Chinese Communist Party?
  • Do you agree with his assertion that ultra-Orthodox Jews are “inbred”?
  • Do you dismiss the mass sexual violence against Jewish and Israeli women perpetrated by Hamas?
  • Do you consider that “Hamas is a thousand times better” than the Israeli government?
  • If you do not accept all of Piker’s views, which specifically do you reject?

What a shining example of open discourse, right, Joe McCarthy?

The urgency behind the Third Way’s warnings was notably echoed by Michigan Senator Elise Slotkin (D-CIA):

The centrist attacks on Piker gained traction largely due to his support for the upstart U.S. Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. His joint appearances with Piker drew enthusiastic and youthful crowds. The New York Times covered the developments extensively:

Disputes over Israel emerged prominently in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan when a candidate partnered with a provocative left-wing streamer known for criticizing the Israeli government and its actions in Gaza.

That candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, faced strong critique from both rivals and many within his party after announcing that Hasan Piker would join him at rallies on April 7 at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

Piker’s substantial following among younger audiences has made him an enticing ally for progressive Democrats. He previously produced an interview for Zohran Mamdani during the New York mayoral contest and even streamed live from the Democratic National Convention in 2024. Some refer to him as the left’s version of Joe Rogan.

However, his remarks on Israel have raised alarm among certain Democrats. In a statement to Jewish Insider, another candidate, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, described Piker as “someone who makes offensive statements purely for attention.”

“It’s inappropriate to align with him at a time when our community is experiencing significant pain and trauma,” she stated, adding, “You shouldn’t exacerbate divisions just for publicity.”

Representative Haley Stevens, a moderate and fourth-term congresswoman, also criticized El-Sayed’s choice to campaign with Piker, deeming it “unacceptable.” She accused Piker of building his career upon “hurtful and antisemitic commentary.”

Worth mentioning, Stevens previously unseated Rep. Andy Levin, a Jewish critic of Israel, in a primary race heavily funded by AIPAC and its allies.

Returning to the Senate primary this year…

The Intercept reported on the speeches from both McMorrow and El-Sayed and examined the unfolding race:

Speaking to a modest assembly inside a Canton brewery, leading Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow made an anti-war appeal while the specter of President Donald Trump’s threats toward Iran loomed large.

“Now is the moment for individuals to stand up and decide who they truly support — are they for the Constitution, for Americans, for Michiganders, or for Donald Trump?” McMorrow urged, receiving applause. She proposed invoking the 25th Amendment as a countermeasure against the president.

Later, 17 miles away, before a packed auditorium at the University of Michigan, El-Sayed criticized the ongoing war — alongside the distractions surrounding it.

“Our president is instigating a genocidal, illegal, and unjustifiable war with Iran that is wasting our tax dollars to the tune of $1.5 billion daily,” he declared. “Yet apparently, the most significant issue on social media is whether we’ll campaign with Hasan.” He referenced the extremely popular political streamer who stood beside him during two well-attended university rallies, marking the largest campaign events in Michigan this election season.

Analyzing the El-Sayed – McMorrow – Stevens Race

It’s notable that El-Sayed is gaining traction, McMorrow is building momentum, and Stevens appears to be declining.

A critical observation from Emerson states:

“In the Michigan Democratic Senate Primary, younger voters under 40 favor El-Sayed over McMorrow by a considerable 17-point margin (35% to 18%), whereas older voters over 50 prefer McMorrow over El-Sayed by 12 points (29% to 17%), with 13% backing Stevens,” shared Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.

Historically, being the “youth candidate” has posed challenges for candidates (see Bernie Sanders). Yet, a shift occurred last year with Zohran Mamdani’s “youthquake” election as New York Mayor.

Nevertheless, this is Michigan — a state with deep working-class roots and a significant number of Trump supporters. A victory akin to Mamdani’s hasn’t emerged from this heartland yet.

There’s also a recent interesting poll from Zeteo and Drop Site News:

The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Michigan is currently a three-way tie, according to a new survey conducted by Zeteo and Drop Site News.

This poll also revealed that likely Democratic primary voters are significantly more concerned about AIPAC’s influence on candidates than about Hasan Piker’s alleged impact. The Data for Progress poll indicates that 22% of likely Democratic primary voters favor El-Sayed, a Bernie Sanders endorsee and outspoken critic of Israel; 23% support Haley Stevens, a conservative pro-Israel Democrat backed by Washington party leaders; and 22% back Mallory McMorrow, who is endorsed by J Street and seeks a middle ground between Stevens and El-Sayed.

Notably, approximately one-third of voters remain undecided.

How’s the Money Race Shaping Up?

Michigan Chronicle offers insights along with background on McMorrow:

McMorrow raised over $3 million within the first three months of this year, compared to approximately $2.3 million from Abdul El-Sayed and $2 million from Rep. Haley Stevens.

“This is a monumental achievement,” proclaimed McMorrow in a video address.

FEC filings show she garnered most of her contributions from individual donors, with 120,000 supporters contributing to the campaign of the 39-year-old state senator from Royal Oak since her Senate run began.

Recent filings reveal that McMorrow has outpaced Stevens in fundraising for the first time since candidates began reporting totals.

El-Sayed, however, excelled at attracting funding from outside Michigan, raising nearly $1.3 million. McMorrow brought in over $830,000 from outside the state, while Stevens collected about $1.2 million from non-Michiganders.

After flipping a Republican-held district in Oakland County in 2018, her viral speech on the Michigan Senate floor in April 2022 made McMorrow a prominent figure within state politics and a national fundraising powerhouse.

Observing McMorrow’s activities during the Michigan Democratic primary last weekend will give insight into her appeal to notable figures like Hillary Clinton:

Primary color schemes? Check.

A cringe-worthy dance move? Check.

This point allows us to feature Dr. El-Sayed’s remarks reported by Michigan Advance:

As McMorrow’s drumline approached the area where El-Sayed was about to address the media, he jokingly commented that “that’s what happens when you lack a substantive message.”

Social media platforms quickly resurfaced a video from El-Sayed’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign, where he didn’t move aside for now-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was accompanied by a marching band.

Whitmer ultimately triumphed across all 83 counties in that primary.

El-Sayed told delegates that after President Trump’s election, the message was clear: either go big or go home.

“I opted for the bold approach, and then I returned home,” he jested.

During the Michigan Democratic Party’s event, attendees heard from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who shared strategies for successful election campaigns. One of his key pieces of advice: “Speak as if you are a regular person.”

El-Sayed agreed, but stated a more profound problem exists.

“I would contend that one should address the issues that genuinely matter to people. Ensuring that discussions revolve around what constituents genuinely care about is essential,” El-Sayed emphasized.

Assessing the Candidates: Stevens, El-Sayed, and McMorrow

Drop Site News provides some background coupled with original insights:

The Michigan Senate race is shaping into a three-way contest involving Rep. Haley Stevens, who has been significantly funded by AIPAC; Abdul El-Sayed, a prominent advocate of the “Uncommitted Movement” dubbed Michigan’s version of Mamdani; and Mallory McMorrow, a state legislator who occupies a position between the two.

McMorrow is reported to have privately created an “AIPAC position paper” deemed “outstanding,” but it has not been made public, according to her supporter Rob Kalman, who spoke on a recent donor call. Kalman has maintained close communication with both local and national AIPAC leaders, with a recording of the August 20 call being shared publicly.

AIPAC, or the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, typically requires candidates to disclose position papers to receive endorsements. Interviews with candidates and campaign managers suggest that AIPAC has specific expectations, including support for the Taylor Force Act and opposition to conditions on aid to Israel.

McMorrow faces Stevens, who utilized AIPAC’s backing in a controversial power move against Rep. Andy Levin during the 2022 cycle, as Levin was known for his willingness to support Rep. Rashida Tlaib and critique Israeli policies.

And here’s the audio from that call:

McMorrow’s possible attempts to downplay AIPAC funding have drawn scrutiny online:

Perhaps she just enjoys traveling and learning about diverse cultures:

Mixed Reactions at the Convention

Michigan Public Radio summarized the recent convention:

Progressive voices within the Michigan Democratic Party resonated significantly during the state party’s endorsement convention held in Detroit this past weekend. Approximately 7,250 delegates attended, setting a new record. Participants sought endorsements for several state contests, including key positions like Secretary of State, Attorney General, and university boards.

With fierce competition in the main races, candidates resorted to engaging tactics, such as performing with musicians and organizing eye-catching stunts to attract attention.

This convention marked a substantial achievement for progressives within the Michigan Democratic Party, as candidates backed by the Progressive Caucus emerged victorious across multiple endorsement contests.

During the Michigan Democratic Party convention, all three leading Senate candidates confronted the audience.

Unfortunately for Stevens, it was tough going:

Stevens wasn’t the only one facing backlash:

Now, let’s delve into the voting outcomes from the convention.

Student Protesters Achieve Symbolic Wins Against Establishment Democrats

Drop Site News has the details:

For two years, a coalition of establishment Democrats has waged a wide-ranging legal battle against pro-Palestinian student activists at the University of Michigan, seeking to suppress their protests against Israel. The recent Democratic Party delegates expressed their opposition to this campaign during the nominating convention, where two pro-Palestinian candidates achieved notable upsets against pro-Israel-backed opponents in crucial primary races.
This signifies both material and symbolic victories for pro-Palestinian activists, many of whom continue to face scrutiny for their demonstrations. With growing discontent toward the pro-Israel strategy evident even at lower, state-level races, these wins underscore the shifting political landscape.
In the state Attorney General race, progressive Jewish prosecutor Eli Savit triumphed over Karen McDonald, whose campaign enjoyed backing from major corporations and pro-Israel donors. Concurrently, Amir Makled, a defense attorney, defeated incumbent regent Jordan Acker, who played a significant role in the legal actions against pro-Palestinian students and had previously made some controversial comments. Makled, who is Lebanese-American, withstood intense accusations of antisemitism and support for Hezbollah. He expressed that these victories illustrate that the electorate has shifted away from AIPAC-aligned candidates.
“People are done with it, and the establishment must acknowledge the change,” Makled stated. “This is the only pathway forward for the party, as it aligns with the right values.” His success also came soon after damaging revelations about Acker’s conduct.

To wrap up, a thought-provoking exchange between Jonathan Chait and David Sirota:

In conclusion, the dynamic landscape of Michigan’s Democratic primary underscores a growing divide within the party over key issues, especially regarding Israel and Palestine. With strong support for progressive candidates, the outcome may signal a broader shift in the political landscape as voters increasingly voice their priorities.

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