Detroit, Michigan, January 30, 2026
In the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, anti-Israel candidates are showing strong support in recent polling. State Senator Mallory McMorrow leads with 22%, followed by U.S. Representative Haley Stevens at 17% and physician Abdul El-Sayed at 16%. The differing perspectives on Israel among candidates reflect a growing division within the party, with McMorrow criticizing Israel’s actions, while Stevens maintains a pro-Israel stance. As the primary approaches, Israel’s policies are expected to remain a key issue.
Detroit, Michigan – Anti-Israel Candidates Lead in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Polls
Detroit, Michigan – In the race for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, Democratic candidates critical of Israel’s policies are leading recent polls. State Senator Mallory McMorrow holds a narrow lead with 22% support, followed by U.S. Representative Haley Stevens at 17%, and physician Abdul El-Sayed at 16%.
McMorrow’s Position on Israel
McMorrow has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as “tantamount to genocide.” She has also expressed that Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 2023 attacks was a “moral abomination.”
Stevens’ Pro-Israel Stance
In contrast, Stevens is known for her strong support of Israel. She has visited Israel and opposes the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Stevens has received backing from pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which invested over $4 million in her 2022 campaign.
El-Sayed’s Background
El-Sayed, a former public health official, has been an active critic of Israel’s policies. He was involved in the “uncommitted movement,” a group of Democratic voters in Michigan who opposed President Biden’s stance on Gaza during the 2024 election cycle.
Implications for the Primary
The differing views on Israel among the leading candidates highlight the divisions within the Democratic Party in Michigan. The primary race is expected to intensify as the election approaches, with Israel’s policies likely to remain a central issue.
FAQ
Who are the leading candidates in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary?
The leading candidates are State Senator Mallory McMorrow, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, and physician Abdul El-Sayed.
What are Mallory McMorrow’s views on Israel?
McMorrow has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as “tantamount to genocide,” and has called Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 2023 attacks a “moral abomination.”
What is Haley Stevens’ stance on Israel?
Stevens is known for her strong support of Israel, having visited the country and opposing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. She has received backing from pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which invested over $4 million in her 2022 campaign.
What is Abdul El-Sayed’s background?
El-Sayed is a former public health official who has been an active critic of Israel’s policies. He was involved in the “uncommitted movement,” a group of Democratic voters in Michigan who opposed President Biden’s stance on Gaza during the 2024 election cycle.
How might these differing views on Israel impact the Michigan Democratic Senate primary?
The differing views on Israel among the leading candidates highlight divisions within the Democratic Party in Michigan. The primary race is expected to intensify as the election approaches, with Israel’s policies likely to remain a central issue.
Key Features of the Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Leading Candidates | State Senator Mallory McMorrow, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, and physician Abdul El-Sayed. |
| McMorrow’s Position on Israel | Criticizes Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as “tantamount to genocide,” and calls Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 2023 attacks a “moral abomination.” |
| Stevens’ Pro-Israel Stance | Strong support for Israel, having visited the country and opposing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Received backing from pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC, which invested over $4 million in her 2022 campaign. |
| El-Sayed’s Background | Former public health official, active critic of Israel’s policies, involved in the “uncommitted movement” opposing President Biden’s stance on Gaza during the 2024 election cycle. |
| Implications for the Primary | Divisions within the Democratic Party in Michigan, with Israel’s policies likely to remain a central issue as the primary race intensifies. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.


