Michigan Democrats’ Israel Divide Deepens as Jewish AG Skips State Convention Over Safety Fears

Michigan Democrats will convene Saturday in Lansing for their 2026 nominating convention as internal conflict intensifies over American support for Israel and recent antisemitic incidents within party ranks. Jewish Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she will not attend the gathering, citing legitimate safety worries following an April convention where pro-Israel speakers, including Rep. Haley Stevens, faced disruption from anti-Israel activists. The state’s highest law enforcement official expressed concern about potential harassment and unwelcome treatment should she appear at the event.

Nessel’s absence underscores a broader ideological schism within Michigan’s Democratic apparatus, particularly as a growing faction advocates reducing military assistance to Israel amid its ongoing military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The timing proves especially significant following Abdul El-Sayed’s recent victory in securing the Democratic Senate nomination—a race seen as essential for Democrats to retain control of the upper chamber. El-Sayed, known for criticizing Israeli military conduct as “genocide,” narrowly defeated Stevens, who holds pro-Israel views.

The Michigan Democratic Party responded to Nessel’s decision by reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, secure events and condemning antisemitism alongside all forms of hatred. Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman stated the organization is coordinating with stakeholders and officials ahead of the August 29 convention at the Lansing Center, pledging a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

Divisions among Jewish Democrats run deep across the state. Joan Lowenstein, chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus and a party central committee member, indicated she has heard no credible safety threats, though some members fear the gathering will prove uncomfortable enough to justify staying away. However, Rabbi Asher Lopatin expressed significant concern that prior convention experiences have left community members traumatized by hostile treatment toward Israel-supporting speakers.

Stacy Gittleman, a lifelong Democrat and Israel supporter who attended the April convention, observed more Palestinian flags than American flags displayed on the floor and characterized the atmosphere as marked by disrespect and lack of decorum. She interpreted the scene as evidence of her party’s leftward trajectory. Her account was published on Substack and shared with news outlets.

Jewish leaders in Michigan are circulating an open letter encouraging Jewish Democrats and independents to support Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, a former congressman. According to sources involved in the effort, many lifelong Democrats feel politically displaced, describing a shift they characterize as moving beyond ideological disagreement into anti-Jewish sentiment within party ranks.

Lowenstein acknowledged the petition’s appeal to voters who view the situation as existential, though she does not endorse the letter herself. She noted the Michigan Jewish community faces a genuine dilemma: some refuse to support El-Sayed due to his Israel rhetoric, while others believe maintaining Democratic Senate control outweighs those concerns.

Rogers and El-Sayed are competing to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters in a contest considered among a dozen races that will determine Senate control. Rogers has highlighted concerns from Democratic Jewish voters, citing accounts from University of Michigan students fearful of displaying religious symbols. El-Sayed, a former epidemiologist and Wayne County health official, would become the nation’s first Muslim senator if elected and has emphasized his commitment to Jewish safety while maintaining his opposition to unconditional military aid to Israel.