Jewish Democratic Presidential Candidates Face Rising Criticism Over Israel Ahead of 2028 US Election

As the 2028 US presidential election approaches, Jewish candidates within the Democratic Party are confronting increasing hostility toward Israel among progressive voters. Former Obama chief of staff and ex-Congressman Rahm Emanuel, speaking in Tel Aviv, called for ending US taxpayer-funded subsidies to Israel's defense budget and imposing sanctions on companies supporting illegal West Bank settlements.

Public opinion polls reflect this shift: a Gallup survey shows nearly two-thirds of Democrats now sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis, with Israeli support among Democrats dropping from 40% in 2022 to 17% in 2026, while support for Palestinians rose from 38% to 65%. A Quinnipiac University poll found that 48% of voters believe the US supports Israel excessively, the highest level since 2017.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire and former major donor to AIPAC who ceased contributions over a decade ago due to the organization's rightward shift, has criticized former President Trump’s alleged fascist tendencies and expressed the difficulty of reconciling the deaths of children in Gaza with his Jewish identity. Like Emanuel, Pritzker has voiced criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, an observant Jew who supports a two-state solution, condemned those denying Israel’s right to exist. Shapiro and his family have personally experienced rising tensions; during Passover, an individual with a history of mental illness attacked his residence with Molotov cocktails and a hammer, stating the motive was Shapiro’s stance on Palestinians.

These developments highlight the challenges Jewish Democratic candidates face in balancing their support for Israel with the evolving views of their party’s progressive base as the 2028 election nears.