Ties to Israel plague Democrats in top primaries post-Gaza

Politico

by By Daniel Lippman

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The issue of ties to Israel has become a significant factor in Democratic primary races, particularly as support for Israel wanes among party members. Candidates are increasingly being scrutinized for past connections to Israeli leaders, with opponents using these links to question their judgment and qualifications. In Illinois, for instance, U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton faced criticism over a 2019 trip to meet Tzipi Livni, a prominent Israeli opposition leader. Her opponent, Robin Kelly, has accused her of lacking judgment, highlighting the growing importance of distancing oneself from pro-Israel ties in Democratic politics. The shift in perception is evident as more Democrats express skepticism toward Israel's policies, particularly regarding its actions in Gaza. A recent Gallup poll revealed that two-thirds of Democrats now sympathize more with Palestinians, down significantly from 2016. This shift has led candidates to reconsider their relationships with pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, which once provided substantial funding but is now seen as a political liability. For example, Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly initially accepted AIPAC donations but later vowed not to do so again, aligning her stance with the changing sentiment within the party. In other states, such as Michigan and Texas, similar dynamics are playing out. Abdul El-Sayed criticized his rival, Rep. Haley Stevens, for advocating too strongly for Israel, while Jasmine Crockett faced backlash for voting to fund Israeli defensive weapons. These examples demonstrate how even tangential connections to Israel can become campaign issues, reflecting broader concerns about U.S.-Israel relations and the influence of foreign policy on domestic politics.

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Originally published on Politico on 3/3/2026