JULY 26, 2026
Michigan and Missouri Democratic primaries test party divisions over Israel policy and AIPAC spending
Democratic primaries in Michigan and Missouri on August 4 feature candidates sharply divided over U.S. policy toward Israel, with progressive challengers criticizing the alliance and more centrist incumbents defending it. In Missouri, former Rep. Cori Bush is challenging Rep. Wesley Bell, who defeated her in 2024 with support from AIPAC spending exceeding $8 million. In Michigan, progressive Abdul El-Sayed is running against centrist Rep. Haley Stevens for the Senate seat, with AIPAC's principal PAC spending approximately $30 million on ads supporting Stevens.
The August 4 primaries in Michigan and Missouri represent the latest flashpoints in a broader reshaping of Democratic politics around Israel and Gaza. In Missouri, Bush and Bell — both Black politicians who emerged from the 2014 Ferguson protests over the police shooting of Michael Brown — are facing off in a rematch after Bell defeated Bush by fewer than six points in 2024. In Michigan, El-Sayed faces Stevens in a Senate primary that analysts describe as the most consequential Israel-related Democratic contest yet, given that the seat will be competitive in November.
The Israel question frames both races, though observers across outlets noted that polling in Michigan and Missouri suggests voters are focused primarily on other concerns. CNN reported that pollsters working in both states believe voters are making their choices based on economic and local issues. The Associated Press similarly found that many St. Louis residents said their vote would hinge on issues like recovery funds for a tornado that devastated the area last year. Still, AIPAC's spending has become a defining symbol in both contests: CNN quoted Democratic strategist Terrance Woodbury saying progressives are using Israel and AIPAC to "drive home the point of a rigged system where money and special interests have too much control."
In Missouri, Bush has continued sharp criticism of Israel and AIPAC since her 2024 loss, saying the spending "radicalized" her further. Bell has said he is "not a fan" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but defends the core U.S.-Israel security relationship, citing the importance of alliances. Bell rallied with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, while Bush drew activists and democratic socialists from across the country to events near the Gateway Arch. The AP reported that a speaker at Bush's rally used the phrase "money changers" in reference to Israel's supporters; Bush declined to directly address the comment, saying she condemns antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate.