Michigan Democratic Senate rivals clash over Israel, AIPAC in heated debate

Israel and campaign funding became central points of contention.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A sharp Democratic primary debate in Michigan on Tuesday highlighted deep divisions within the party as Rep. Haley Stevens and former Wayne County Health Department Director Abdul El-Sayed clashed over Israel, AIPAC, immigration and the party’s direction ahead of next month’s Senate primary.

Stevens, who is backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic Party establishment figures, faced El-Sayed, a progressive candidate endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

The winner will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who is seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

Israel and campaign funding became central points of contention.

El-Sayed repeatedly criticized Stevens over outside spending from pro-Israel and corporate-aligned groups, saying, “If you want your politics dictated by AIPAC or Chuck Schumer, then I’m not your guy.”

He also argued that “So long as our politicians continue to be bought off by AIPAC, do not be surprised when we fight wars that are in their best interest.”

Stevens rejected the criticism and accused El-Sayed of benefiting from Republican efforts to influence the Democratic primary. “What my opponent needs to answer is, why is the GOP spending thousands of dollars to prop up his campaign, saying that he will make Mike Rogers the next U.S. senator?” she said.

She also challenged El-Sayed to release his tax returns, saying: “Well, look, transparency is also important, and this is why I have released my tax returns. My opponent, Abdul, said that transparency is key, but yet he hasn’t released his tax returns.”

On Middle East policy, Stevens said she supports “an immediate end to U.S. involvement in Iran” and contrasted her position with El-Sayed’s by backing a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The difference between my opponent and myself on this issue is that I believe in a two-state solution,” Stevens said. “I can say that Israel has a right to peacefully exist alongside the people of Palestine and in Gaza.”

The candidates also sparred over immigration enforcement, childcare and artificial intelligence policy. The debate took place two days after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her Senate campaign and pledged to support the eventual Democratic nominee.