Michigan Jewish Voters Split Over Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Amid Israel Debate
More than 1,000 Michigan Jews have endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while others plan to back Republican Mike Rogers, citing the candidates' differing stances on Israel and domestic policy.
Jewish voters in Michigan face a complex choice in the Senate race between Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers. El-Sayed, who leads in recent polls, advocates for universal health care and cost-of-living relief but opposes U.S. military aid to Israel, describing the conflict as "genocide" and labeling Israeli policies as "apartheid."
A public letter signed by more than 1,000 Michigan Jews, including former congressman Sander Levin and former Detroit AJC president Alicia Chandler, endorses El-Sayed despite acknowledging disagreements over his Israel stance. The signatories argue that his domestic agenda and commitment to democratic governance outweigh the controversy.
El-Sayed has hired veteran adviser Lenore Goldman, known for work with Jewish groups, to broaden his outreach without altering his position on Israel.
Critics within the Jewish community point to El-Sayed's remarks after the March attack on Temple Israel synagogue, where he said "Hurt people hurt people," interpreting it as minimizing the antisemitic act. He later apologized and clarified his intent.
Republican leaders have intensified attacks on El-Sayed, with President Donald Trump calling him a "jihadist" and "member of the Muslim Brotherhood" at an October rally, and Rogers accusing him of antisemitism at a Republican Jewish Coalition event.
The split reflects a broader debate among American Jews about whether domestic policy priorities and opposition to the Trump-aligned administration outweigh concerns about a candidate's views on Israel.