Pro-Palestinian Candidate Who Compared Israel to Hamas Wins Michigan Democratic Primary

Abdul El-Sayed, a pro-Palestinian candidate who controversially compared Israel to Hamas, narrowly won the Democratic primary election in Michigan on August 5, 2026. His victory marks a continuation of a recent trend within the Democratic Party where candidates critical of Israel have been gaining significant support.

Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized El-Sayed's win, calling him a "communist loser who hates Israel and the Jews," and described the outcome as good news for Republicans. El-Sayed's opponent in the primary was U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, who has consistently expressed strong support for Israel during her tenure. Stevens has advocated for unconditional aid to Israel, denied allegations of genocide in Gaza, and refused to apologize for receiving donations from the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC.

In an interview with CBS, Stevens emphasized her support for a two-state solution and long-term peace, while criticizing El-Sayed for not recognizing Israel's right to exist and for blaming Israel for a synagogue explosion in their district, which she described as an extreme position. Stevens has also publicly stated her unwavering support for Israel, saying in a Hanukkah event that "Israel comes to me in my dreams" and that she would not change her stance based on political trends or convenience.