Jewish Democrats in Michigan Consider Supporting GOP Candidate Amid Concerns Over Democratic Nominee

Several Jewish Democrats in Michigan have expressed intentions to support the Republican Senate candidate, Mike Rogers, in the upcoming election if Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed is chosen. These concerns arise ahead of the primary election scheduled for Aug. 4. Jewish donors and fundraisers have discussed the possibility of El-Sayed, known for his criticism of Israel, becoming the Democratic nominee for the Michigan Senate seat.

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) has reported that prominent Jewish fundraisers are beginning to view Rogers as an alternative and are contemplating raising funds for him against El-Sayed. Dennis Bernard, national chair of government relations at the Jewish Federations of North America, stated that leaders in the Jewish community who have long supported Democrats are concerned about the party’s direction. Bernard noted, “And if this is the case, they’ve made it clear, both financially and with their vote, that they would support Mike Rogers in the event El-Sayed wins the primary.”

Retired commercial mortgage banker Neil Gorosh expressed feeling “rudderless” as a Democrat. Although he would not financially support Rogers, he stated he would vote for him over El-Sayed. Gorosh shared, “If it came down to Mike Rogers and El-Sayed, I will vote for Mike Rogers. I wouldn’t write a check, but I would vote for him, and I would tell my like-minded friends to do the same, and the reasons why.” Other Jewish Democrats have focused on electing Rep. Haley Stevens, El-Sayed’s primary opponent, due to her support of Israel’s right to exist.

An anonymous Jewish leader emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship in deciding their vote, urging support for Stevens in the Democratic primary. Concerns over El-Sayed’s statements have led to accusations of antisemitism. El-Sayed previously suggested Israel is “just as evil” as Hamas, which has generated backlash.

Shimon Levy, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, criticized El-Sayed for his remarks, stating, “El-Sayed has done nothing but put Jews at risk and in danger, and through his words has been so poisonous and has ostracized and villainized, single-handedly, the Jews of Southeast Michigan.” Levy advised Jewish voters to reconsider unwavering support for the Democratic ticket.

El-Sayed faces challenges in his campaign, as antisemitism accusations persist based on his past statements. He has also defended campaigning alongside Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who controversially compared Hamas to Israel. El-Sayed has not clarified his stance on Israel’s right to exist, maintaining that both Hamas and the Israeli government are equally culpable in evil actions.

Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.