United States: the victory of Abdul El-Sayed, who denounces the genocide in Gaza, causes an earthquake within the Democratic Party

Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in the Democratic primary for the Senate in Michigan causes a real political earthquake in the United States. An American of Egyptian origin and a figure on the left wing of the Democratic Party, he beat Haley Stevens, who was nevertheless supported by the party leadership, powerful donors and AIPAC, the main pro-Israeli lobby in the United States. Tens of millions of dollars were spent trying to make his opponent win. That wasn’t enough. Despite this financial power, Democratic voters chose a candidate who denounces the influence of money in politics, the genocide in Gaza and calls for an end to American military aid to Israel.

This victory goes well beyond Michigan. It shows that a growing part of the Democratic electorate rejects candidates imposed by the party apparatus and pressure groups. It also confirms the deep unease that runs through the Democratic Party on the question of Gaza and the unconditional support of the United States for Israel. Supported by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Abdul El-Sayed defends in particular public health insurance, a reduction in the price of medicines, an increase in taxes for the richest and a reform of the financing of electoral campaigns. His success is all the more symbolic since other candidates critical of Israeli policies also won their primaries in Michigan.

Abdul El-Sayed will now face Republican Mike Rogers in the November election. A victory would make him one of the most important new faces of the American left and could permanently upset the balance of the Democratic Party.

Beyond his personal victory, this election reveals a deeper shift. Part of the Democratic base no longer wants to choose between candidates supported by the same financial networks and defending the same foreign policy. She is now calling for elected officials who are more independent, more social and capable of breaking with unconditional support for Israel. If this dynamic is confirmed in November, Abdul El-Sayed’s victory could become the starting point for a real recomposition of the Democratic Party.