Democratic Candidates Under Scrutiny: Navigating Israel Connections in Illinois, Texas, and Michigan Primaries
In Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, Democratic candidates are facing scrutiny over their connections to Israel as support for the country wanes among Democrats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies, especially after a war in Gaza, have made Israel unpopular among many Democratic voters. Candidates in key primaries are using any ties to Israeli political figures to criticize their opponents.
One Illinois Democratic operative brought up a 2019 trip that Illinois U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton took to Israel to meet with Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni. This operative also mentioned a decade-old arrest warrant related to a conflict with Gaza. Stratton's opponent, Rep. Robin Kelly, criticized the trip, questioning Stratton's leadership based on her meeting with Livni, who is known for her left-leaning views and support for a two-state solution.
Kelly, who is also running for the Senate seat, has shifted her stance on Israel since entering the race, distancing herself from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC and criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza. The conflict with Iran has further intensified the debate on Israel, with candidates quick to condemn joint U.S.-Israeli actions. A Gallup poll showed a decline in Democratic support for Israel, with more Democrats sympathizing with Palestinians.
In the Michigan Senate race, candidate Abdul El-Sayed has criticized opponent Rep. Haley Stevens for her pro-Israel stance, while Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Texas has faced backlash for voting to fund defensive weapons for Israel. Stratton, the lieutenant governor of Illinois, participated in a delegation to Israel in 2019, meeting with Livni, who had faced accusations of war crimes in Gaza in 2009. The arrest warrant against Livni was later withdrawn.
As the debate over Israel continues to be a campaign issue, candidates are navigating their ties to the country amidst changing Democratic sentiments. The upcoming primaries will test how candidates address their connections to Israel in the face of shifting party views.