Internal divisions within the Democratic party over the Israel-Gaza war have taken center stage in Michigan's competitive US Senate primary race.
The conflict continues to shape political campaigns ahead of the November midterms, with progressive candidates leveraging shifts in voter sentiment.
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A recent debate highlighted friction between the party's progressive and moderate factions vying for the seat.
"They clearly want one individual and it's not me," Michigan Democratic contender Abdul El-Sayed said, referring to pro-Israel groups like AIPAC spending against him.
"So long as our politicians continue to be bought off by Aipac, do not be surprised when we fight wars that are in their interest to annex Lebanon, or to do genocide in Gaza."
Moderate US Representative Haley Stevens, benefiting from pro-Israel spending, retorted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "trashing" her on CNN that day, asserting she wasn't afraid to stand up to Israel.
"No one owns my vote and no one owns my policies," she said during the debate.
"Anyone contributing to my Senate campaign is doing so because of my proven record of fighting for Michigan."
Voter Sentiment and Campaign Spending
A June AP poll found roughly half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, while nearly 60% say US support for Israel is excessive.
Public figures like former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel have reflected this shift, recently stating US military aid to Israel should cease and declining AIPAC financial support.
