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Voters who left over Gaza return for progressive push
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Michigan voters who left Democrats over Gaza return to back Abdul El-Sayed.
The shift signals Gaza's impact on U.S. voter alignment.
Background
In February 2024, about 100,000 Michigan Democratic primary voters chose 'uncommitted' to protest President Biden's support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Now, some of those voters are returning to the party to support Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, reflecting a broader realignment among Muslim and Arab American voters.
How it unfolded
- Feb 2024About 100,000 Michigan Democratic primary voters cast 'uncommitted' ballots to protest Biden's Gaza policy.
- Aug 20, 2026Time reports on the DSA's push to reshape the Democratic Party, noting Gaza as a key issue.
- Aug 23, 2026The Guardian reports that some voters who left over Gaza are now volunteering for Abdul El-Sayed's Senate campaign.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Voter Waqas Sarwar says 'I hate Democrats, but I love Abdul,' supporting El-Sayed's fresh approach.
- Caution
- Some activists note that Muslim and Arab Americans have historically switched parties over war, implying uncertainty.