WASHINGTON (TNND) — Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is putting a longstanding divide within the Democratic Party back in the spotlight, as the progressive nominee faces questions over his positions on Israel, concerns from some Jewish voters and new scrutiny of his campaign donors.
El-Sayed’s primary victory marked a significant win for the party’s progressive wing, but he now faces the challenge of uniting Democrats ahead of November.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said El-Sayed has “a lot of stuff to explain,” particularly to Jewish voters.
Some Jewish voters and leaders have raised concerns about El-Sayed’s record and rhetoric surrounding Israel. Among the flashpoints are his appearances with far-left streamer Hasan Piker, who previously drew backlash for saying America “deserved” the Sept. 11 attacks, and El-Sayed’s reluctance to directly answer questions about Israel’s right to exist.
El-Sayed also faced criticism over his response to a March attack on a Michigan synagogue. While condemning the violence, he pointed to the suspect’s reported loss of family members in Middle East conflicts.
“Hurt people hurt people,” El-Sayed said in a video message. “Imagine if there were no war in Iran. Imagine if there were no airstrikes in Lebanon. Imagine if his family had never died.”
Concerns about antisemitism are also surfacing within Michigan’s Democratic Party.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, said she will not attend the state Democratic Party convention later this month, citing concerns about her safety and antisemitic harassment.
Asked about Nessel’s concerns on CNN Thursday, El-Sayed said it was important “to differentiate between safety and between our different political positions about the interests of a foreign government.”
El-Sayed has said he condemns antisemitism and is focused on bringing Democrats together.
Meanwhile, his campaign is facing additional scrutiny over its financial supporters.
Federal campaign records show more than $100,000 in contributions to El-Sayed came from people affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR. The Muslim civil rights organization has faced allegations of ties to terrorism, which it denies.
CAIR is not designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the federal government. Florida, however, has designated the organization as a terrorist group under state action, a move CAIR is challenging in court.
El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in November in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate.
The contest is also highlighting a broader challenge for Democrats nationally as progressives and moderates continue to clash over Israel, the war in Gaza and the party’s relationship with Jewish voters.