The results of US primary elections point to the growing influence of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, which has placed the Palestinian issue at the centre of its political message.
Supporters of the movement say more than 250 progressives now hold elected positions across the United States. They also say that 35 progressive candidates defeated establishment Democratic candidates for Congress in this year’s primary elections, describing the results as a major shift within the party.
The United States is currently holding primary elections ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, with Democratic and Republican voters selecting their parties’ candidates for Congress.
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Among the most notable results from Tuesday’s primary contests was Abdulrahman El-Sayed’s victory in securing the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan, alongside victories by several pro-Palestinian candidates, including Rashida Tlaib, Donovan McKinney, and William Lawrence.
Following his victory, El-Sayed stepped up his criticism of Israel, saying the issue was not limited to the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but also involved Israel’s policies themselves.
He said Israel had become under Netanyahu “more aggressive and more bloodthirsty”, accusing it of committing genocide and practising apartheid. He also questioned why the United States continues to fund a country that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state, and said he opposed unconditional US military aid to Israel.
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