A growing rift over Israel is complicating House Democrats' plans to regain control in the 2026 midterms. Left-leaning challengers are targeting pro-Israel incumbents in states like New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and Illinois. These primary battles risk draining resources and weakening the party's unified message against Republicans.
Democrats, who need just three House seats to flip the chamber in next year's midterms, face internal divisions intensified by the Israel-Gaza conflict that began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks. Polling indicates slipping national support for Israel, prompting progressive candidates to challenge established pro-Israel lawmakers in key primaries.
In New York, challengers backed by the Democratic Socialists of America aim to unseat representatives Dan Goldman, Grace Meng, Ritchie Torres, and Adriano Espaillat. Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, endorsed by recent mayoral winner Zohran Mamdani, is targeting Goldman in a high-profile race. Mamdani's victory, fueled by affordability issues rather than solely Israel policy, has inspired similar efforts.
Michigan's open Democratic Senate primary highlights the tensions. Representative Haley Stevens, endorsed by the Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) PAC as a "proud pro-Israel Democrat," faces Abdul El-Sayed and state Senator Mallory McMorrow. Both opponents have criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, with El-Sayed calling the conflict a "genocide" and rejecting AIPAC support. McMorrow shifted to this view after a UN report. Stevens has pledged to support Israel's security and a Gaza ceasefire.
In New Jersey, Representative Rob Menendez, backed by AIPAC, anticipates a challenge from Mussab Ali, who began critiquing Israel soon after October 7. Menendez emphasizes his balanced approach, advocating for hostages' release, aid to Gaza, and a two-state solution.
Illinois sees contests in retiring Representative Jan Schakowsky's district, with candidates like state Senator Laura Fine receiving AIPAC attention, and in Raja Krishnamoorthi's seat, where Junaid Ahmed and Yasmeen Bankole prioritize Gaza issues against moderate Melissa Bean. The Senate race to replace Dick Durbin adds further strain.
Pro-Israel groups are responding aggressively. AIPAC's Marshall Wittmann noted its 6 million members' motivation to elect supporters and defeat critics. DMFI, chaired by Brian Romick, has endorsed 26 House incumbents, calling it a critical moment for U.S.-Israel ties.
Mark Botnick, a former advisor to Michael Bloomberg, criticized Democrats for mishandling the issue: "The party has done an abysmal job of getting up and saying that." Jewish leaders like David Weprin express disturbance at the left's shift, while a Michigan strategist observed that candidates must now demonstrate core values on Israel-Palestine beyond vague two-state support.
These dynamics reverse the 2024 cycle, when AIPAC helped oust anti-Israel Democrats like Jamaal Bowman. With growing Muslim voter influence in areas like Dearborn, Michigan, the party grapples with re-engagement after some shifted to Trump.
